Keansburg Mom Fined $39K For Sending Kids To Middletown Schools

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — A single mom who moved to Keansburg but still kept her kids enrolled in Middletown schools must pay a $39,100 fine, a judge ruled.

The story was first reported this week by NJ 101.5. The divorced mom of three was forced to move after she lost her Middletown home in foreclosure. The family moved to Keansburg. But Toni Ann Prestino kept her children enrolled in Middletown's well-regarded public schools. She told reporters that she wanted both stability for her kids and to make sure her son, an honors student, would continue taking AP classes, which are not available at Keansburg high school.

Prestino said she told the Middletown school district what she was doing and she didn't try to hide anything from them. Still, Middletown filed a counterclaim against her, seeking reimbursement for the 2016-17 school year. She had one child in kindergarten ($11,806), another in fifth grade ($13,646) and a boy in 9th grade at Middletown North ($13,727). Related: Franklin Dad Must Pay $35K For Sending Kids To South Brunswick Schools

The judge sided with Middletown public schools, saying not only must she send her kids to Keansburg, but she also owes $39,100 for all three kids. Middletown said she could keep her son enrolled in the high school, if she paid the fine.

“We are required by law to ensure that students attending our schools legally reside in our town,” Middletown schools Business Administrator Amy Gallagher told the radio station. “Local property taxes predominantly finance our fine schools and we are responsible to the Middletown Township taxpayers for using their funds to educate Middletown Township students.

Prestino said payment is impossible. “I’m struggling. What am I supposed to do? They should understand that I am fighting for my children. It’s just sad,” she told 101.5. “I don’t have $39,000. I’m working to make my rent and get food on table.”

Patch file photo of Harmony elementary school in Middletown, NJ