HS Board of Education 'Disheartened' By Destruction of Freehold Mural

The Board of Education took action last night on a motion to send a letter to the Freehold Borough Arts Council (FBAC) regarding the .

Board member and Freehold Township district representative Maryanne Tomazic compiled the letter. Tomazic said she wanted to reach out to the FBAC considering the recent destruction of the community mural, which was located at 63 E. Main Street in Freehold Borough, and the part the district students had in creating it.

The letter thanked the FBAC for allowing the high school students to take part in the creation of the mural; the students devoted many hours over the summer months helping paint it.

"We think that this was a prime example of how we can partner our high schools with the community," Tomazic read from the letter. "Opportunities like this allow  students to shadow professionals, such as the mural artist Matt Halm, and encourage our students to use their talents to promote community spirit."

The letter went on to say that the board found it disheartening that the owner of the property made little attempt to preserve the artwork that the students worked on, especially in light of the fact that a portion of it was painted on removable panels and since the FBAC was willing to save the piece. 

"We hope that if the Council ever chooses to restore the mural, or repaint a mural in another location in Freehold, that they continue to work with our students and allow them another chance to see their work provide a sense of joy and pride to the community," Tomazic said.

The board unanimously voted "yes" to send the letter to the Freehold Borough Arts Council on behalf of the entire Freehold Regional High School District Board of Education.