Jersey Mike's Hopes to Stem School Budget Cuts

When Jersey Mike's Subs founder and CEO Peter Cancro learned that student athletes may need to 'pay to play' on local sports teams and to participate in school clubs, he knew something must be done.

With hopes of preventing these cuts from adversely impacting the educational experience of local students, Cancro and representatives from Jersey Mike's corporate offices in Manasquan presented the high school with an initial donation of $15,000 and the promise of continual fund-raising efforts in the future at the meeting.

"We really appreciate partnering with a company like Jersey Mike's who gives back to the community in so many ways and recognizes the value of public education," Margin said. "It really is exceptional that the founder of Jersey Mike's recognizes the importance of educating the whole child."

As school districts across the state grapple with decreases in state aid and the necessary budget cuts that result, many will look toward extracurricular activities, athletics and non-essential services to stem the tide.

"What they're looking to cut are sports, arts and music and the clubs," Cancro said at the Dec. 14 meeting of the Manasquan Board of Education.

While she noted that no program cuts have been made yet, Manasquan Schools Superintendent Geraldine Margin anticipated difficulties in the budgeting process for next school year.

"It is very early in the budget process, but certainly our budget will be hit hard," Margin said. "Our board of education will have some very difficult decisions to make."

Similar donations will be made at Point Pleasant Beach High School, Point Pleasant Boro High School and Wall Township High School.

The Shore-based restaurant chain will also honor the achievements of local students each season by featuring their photos in area Jersey Mike's locations under the headline of "Student Stewardship Profile: Class of 2011." Three local students will be featured during the Fall, Winter and Spring seasons.

Manasquan High School students Molly McCann, Haley Tomasulo and Jimmy Gallagher were the first to receive the honor and were on hand at the meeting to accept the donation.