Bayville Rally To Spotlight State School Aid Cuts, Rising Costs In New Jersey

BERKELEY, NJ — A public rally calling for changes to New Jersey’s school funding formula is planned for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Veterans Park in Bayville, according to event organizers.

The “Save Our Schools, Fix the Funding” Rally is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. at 489 Bill Zimmerman Jr. Way, Bayville, NJ 08721.

Organizers said concerned parents, educators, students and community members will gather to highlight what they describe as a growing crisis in New Jersey public schools. According to the event announcement, the rally will call for immediate reform of the state’s school funding formula.

Featured speakers listed for the event are Sen. Carmen F. Amato Jr. of District 9, Assemblyman Paul Kanitra of District 10, Assemblyman Gregory E. Myhre of District 9, Lacey Township Committee member Peter Curatolo and Rhiannon Mindas, known on social media as “Teacher in NJ.” The announcement states that those legislators will join local education leaders, parents and students to discuss challenges facing Ocean County and schools across New Jersey.

Those challenges include state aid cuts, rising operational costs, staff layoffs, larger class sizes, program eliminations and higher property taxes, according to the announcement. Organizers framed the event as both a public show of concern and a call for continued advocacy.

“New Jersey families are paying the highest property taxes in the nation, yet our schools are being starved of resources,” said rally organizers. “We are here to send a clear message to Trenton: Save Our Schools and Fix the Funding Now.”

The event announcement says the program will include student and parent testimonials, updates on the impact of funding shortfalls in local districts, speeches from elected officials and a unity photo.

The rally is open to the public.

Attendees are encouraged to bring signs, chairs and their stories, according to the announcement. The notice states that all are welcome.

People seeking more information or who want to get involved can contact Rhiannon Mindas at TeacherinNJ4@gmail.com.