South Brunswick Schools Protest Cut To Mental Health Program

SOUTH BRUNWICK, NJ — South Brunswick schools are protesting budget cuts to youth programs statewide. In a statement to the school community on Tuesday, superintendent Scott Feder called on parents and guardians to help challenge the decision.

Gov. Phil Murphy’s recent budget cuts funding to school-based youth programs. For South Brunswick schools, this means the end to the BRIDGE Center, that provides recreational and mental health services free of cost.

With the program being eliminated, the seven healthcare professionals who work with students, will have to leave.

“In the wake of the pandemic, there has never been a more important time to support the mental health and well-being of our students,” said Feder in the statement.

The BRIDGE Center is a collaboration between the South Brunswick School District and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. The center provides counseling, substance abuse education and prevention, employment counseling, health awareness, and other support at no cost to students.

Read More Here: NJ Cut Of Student Mental Health Program Amid COVID Sparks Outcry

Feder said the cost to replace the program is more than $500,000.

“Trenton's lack of understanding and commitment to our schools has caused a rollercoaster ride throughout the summer and learning of such a huge loss, a week before schools open is tragic and shameful,” he said.

South Brunswick schools plan to join leaders statewide to challenge this decision.

Feder asked the school community to sign a petition to save the program. Community members can also write, call or email the governor’s office and members of congress.

The school district has already lost $2 million from their budget. The district got no further aid in the new budget announced by Murphy.

Read More Here: South Brunswick Gets No Further School Aid In Revised Budget

Here’s a link to all the details: https://sites.google.com/sbschools.org/sb-save-our-schools/home

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