Join Us for Legislative Day 2021
On March 24, 2021
Dear Freehold Regional Community,
I ask you to join me in participating in the upcoming Legislative Day on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. This day is dedicated to reminding our legislative leaders about the devastating effects that Senate Bill 2 (known as S2) will have on our school district.
As a reminder, New Jersey adopted a plan under S2 to reduce the Freehold Regional’s state funding by 50% over several years. In essence, S2 reflects the state’s belief that the taxpayers of the Freehold Regional High School District are undertaxed by nearly $30 million, and that the state will no longer subsidize communities who are not paying their “Local Fair Share.” The Freehold Regional will lose approximately $30 million in state funding under the plan put forth by the legislators. The district will go from receiving approximately $51 million in state aid down to $21 million after the implementation period is complete. I know most of you would agree with me that the state’s plan under S2 simply does not make sense. This year, the Freehold Regional is $4.8 million under adequacy, which means that even if we tax to the 2% cap, the district is still spending close to $5 million less than what the state says we should. We provide a high quality education, complete with numerous athletic and extracurricular opportunities, while spending approximately $3,500 per pupil less than similar districts. To punish a fiscally responsible school district - especially in the middle of a global pandemic - based on an overly complex and outdated funding formula is simply wrong.
We, along with several other school districts involved with Support our Students, will mark March 24, 2021 by calling and e-mailing our elected officials to encourage them to rethink this misguided aid reduction. The impact of a revenue loss of this magnitude cannot be overstated. Over the next several years, programs and services in the areas of student supports, academic offerings, athletic and extracurricular opportunities, and busing will all be markedly diminished. I encourage you to join us in reaching out to legislators and let them know your thoughts on the matter. I have included a sample letter that you can personalize to email to your state elected officials (contact information provided below). Alternatively, you can also use the Support our Students' website which will prepopulate the legislative contacts for you.
School funding should never create and perpetuate “haves” and “have-nots.” It should always be focused on ensuring that all students receive an exceptional educational experience.
Sincerely,
Charles B. Sampson, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools