S2 Impacts On The Freehold Regional High School District

Press release from the Freehold Regional High School District:

The last thing anyone wants to worry about while in the midst of a global pandemic is budgetary issues, but unfortunately, that’s where we find ourselves.

The devastating effects of Senate Bill 2 (S2) are beginning to be felt in the Freehold Regional High School District as we approach a new budget year with a state aid loss of approximately $6 million. We have been and continue to be vocal in our opposition to this change to state aid which pits students, parents, and communities against one another.

A $6 million loss in state aid is overwhelming and forces the district to make cuts to staffing and other areas of the organization. Critical infrastructure work will be delayed, extracurricular structures will change, transportation for students will be affected, and a reduction in staff will be a reality. We are just as sad as our community members at the loss of valuable staff, but the financial consequences of S2 have provided no other options.

This current impact is only the start of the losses the district will face under S2. This time next year, we will be facing another massive reduction in state aid; as our state aid decreases from $51 million to $21 million over the next several years. This reduction in aid will result in more cuts to staff and programs year after year unless state legislators take action to alter S2.

More than ever, we need our community to advocate for the Freehold Regional High School District. Please take the time to visit our website dedicated to the S2 financial situation, Advocating for our Students, to learn more about the catastrophic outlook of S2 on our district and ways you can help.

This press release was produced by the Freehold Regional High School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.