Middletown BOE President Chris Aveta States Why He Supports School Closures

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Thursday afternoon, Middletown school board president Chris Aveta released the following statement to Patch.

Some Middletown parents say Aveta is bull-dozing or ramming school closures through, because he was the one who first put the vote to close schools on the board agenda. Here is his statement in full:

"I am responding as an individual Board member, not on behalf of the district or Board of Education.

For years, the Middletown Board of Education has been experiencing financial and structural challenges. Last year, despite the superintendent's proposed plans to address the district's current and future deficits, several current and former Board members supported an alternative plan to increase taxes 10.1 percent or $16 million dollars.

This move was made as a 'bridge' to buy the district more time to review options and establish plans to further our path toward fiscal and structural stability. School closures were still deemed imminent.

Earlier this year, the Board was informed that despite this massive tax increase, we still faced an estimated $6-million budget deficit, sans any new tax levies, for the upcoming school year. More importantly, this deficit was projected to grow to nearly $30 million within four years. The business administrator also identified this as a structural deficit that would continue to escalate unless the overall footprint of the district was reduced.

After careful consideration, and support of the superintendent and administration, the full Board voted on February 26 to implement school closures beginning in the 2026-'27 school year. While this was an extremely difficult decision, it represents the most responsible path to securing the long-term financial stability of the district. The proposed plan was determined to preserve staffing, academic programs and the quality of education for Middletown students.

It is important to note that Middletown is not alone in facing these challenges. Districts across New Jersey are struggling as a result of the flawed, inequitable state school-funding formula. Without meaningful reform, these fiscal challenges will continue to intensify for many, if not all suburban districts.

The Board of Education remains committed to supporting the students, families and staff of Middletown. Though difficult, these decisions were made with the long-term strength and sustainability of the community's schools in mind. The above is not provided on behalf of the Board of Education."

— Christopher J. Aveta, President Middletown Township Board of Education