Brick Mayor Joining Schools In March On Trenton Aid Rally

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township Mayor John G. Ducey said he will join Brick Township School District officials next Tuesday as they head to Trenton to protest millions of dollars in funding cuts to the district's schools.

Brick is one of a group of 70 schools in the Support Our Students coalition that is pressing New Jersey lawmakers to take another look at S2, the law passed in 2018 that is removing millions of dollars in aid from some school district.

"The state aid cuts are having a severe negative impact on our schools and on our community," Ducey said. "If they are allowed to continue, these cuts are going to result in higher taxes, staff cuts, larger class sizes and the likely elimination of clubs and athletic programs. This is devastating for our students and outrageously unfair. This could lead to families leaving Brick for school districts that weren’t impacted by the School Funding Reform Act."

The Brick School District has already lost approximately $1.9 million in state aid and is anticipating an additional cut of $2.7 million for the 2019-2020 year. The district will have its aid cut by $23 million over the six years, a cumulative loss of $44 million over six years.

"This is completely unacceptable. It is no wonder that people are so angry with our leaders in Trenton," he said,.

The March On Trenton is being timed to coincide with Gov. Phil Murphy’s annual budget address.

Ducey will join thousands of people from throughout the state who are part of the Support Our Students coalition. S.O.S represents 71 districts affected by the new state aid rules.

Buses have been arranged for the march will depart from the former Foodtown site on Route 70 at 11:30 a.m. on March 5. More details can be found here: Brick Schools Release Details For March On Trenton

Anyone wishing to attend and drive themselves is being encouraged to be at Trenton by 1 p.m.

Mayor Ducey encourages all citizens to make their voices heard by contacting Murphy and state legislators about restoring the aid to the school district by writing letters, sending emails, calling them and reaching out on social media.

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