County Leaders Denounce Cuts In State Aid

By Bob Vosseller

OCEAN COUNTY – Members of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners took aim at Governor Phil Murphy and his administration for the increased deep cuts in state aid funding sustained by many school districts in the county.

While districts throughout the state have taken some deep cuts since the S-2 State Aid Funding formula started in 2018, districts such as Toms River, Jackson, Brick, Lakewood and Manchester have seen millions of dollars cut over the last five years. This year, Toms River and Jackson saw deeper cuts that were unexpected when Murphy put forward the state’s budget.

During a recent meeting of the Board of Commissioners, members unanimously passed a resolution criticizing the cuts to districts in Ocean County and the state as a whole by the New Jersey Department of Education for the 2023-24 school year.

The resolution raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the state formula that determines how much aid each district receives. It also noted that 16 districts will see state aid cuts, including drastic cuts to Toms River and Jackson, which will lose $14.4 million and $6.3 million respectively.

It was noted in the resolution that the cuts would negatively impact both the education of students and the amount of money local taxpayers will be asked to pay to fund education in the coming year and that the school districts may be forced to cut important educational and extracurricular programs due to lack of funds.

The state is enjoying a $10 billion budget surplus at the current time and most schools in urban counties and the state’s largest cities are benefitting from increased state aid. 10th District Senator James Holzapfel and Assemblymen Gregory McGuckin and John Catalano are asking Governor Murphy to fund all the state’s public school districts fairly and equitably.

Copies of the of the resolution were sent to Governor Murphy’s office as well as the 9th , 10th, 12th and 30th Legislative District offices and the 16 impacted school districts.

Director of the Board of Commissioners

Joseph Vicari spoke to Jersey Shore Online. com prior to the start of the meeting noting his prior years as a teacher, principal and superintendent. He served in Brick and Toms River for many years and later Berkeley Township.

Vicari said, “we did so many good things in Berkeley, full day kindergarten programs and in Brick where I started in 1969, we did a lot,” Vicari said. He had been a middle school teacher teaching history and English and later a supervisor and a principal of an elementary school. He served as superintendent of the Berkeley School District

Vicari feared that such progress in programs might now be reversed. He noted that while other school superintendents were unable to make the meeting, “they all speak with the same voice about this subject.”

Brick School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Farrell provided that voice during the meeting having compiled a white paper report that he said shows the current state aid formula is inadequate and flawed. It is called “The Paradox of the Current State of School Funding this topic. Some are saying that they need to have more information. Some are saying that the plight of the dead whales has been co-opted by politicians who don’t want green energy. in New Jersey.”

Mayor Carmen Amato said that they are not against environmentally clean energy, noting that they are in the process of having a large solar field installed. However, the numbers of whales washing up on shore is cause for alarm.

“I want to thank the Board of Commissioners for this resolution and your support in urging the governor and the state to relook at the state funding formula. Each year around this time we wait for the state budget and legislators determine what our funding priorities should be. Inevitably there are winners and losers unfortunately especially in education and many of the losers are right here in Ocean County,” Dr. Farrell said.

He added, “There are five districts right here in Ocean County, Toms River, Jackson, Brick, Lacey and Stafford K-8 that look to now cut over 400 positions in our schools due to the continuation of the perfect storm fiscally. The state aid has affected us absorbing an exorbitant rate to what we can replenish annually and put back.”

“These are dire times and Ocean County School districts are bleeding budgetarily. They are simply running out of funds. I hope that is time for all of us in Ocean County to come

(Leaders - See Page 19)

April 4th, 2023 4-6pm

Concert: Continued From Page 1 harmonious sound of both traditional doowop and contemporary styles.” This will be followed by Super TransAm, who play arena anthems from the 70s, including hits from Queen, Foreigner, Journey and more. Since that night is close to July 4, the town will have a fireworks display to finish the night’s festivities.

On Wednesday, July 19, Jukebox Legends will start the show at 6 p.m. at Veterans Park. They perform hits of the 50s, 60s and more. They will be followed by Wanted DOA, a Bon Jovi tribute band.

On Saturday, August 12, starting at 5 p.m., will be the Annual Beach Party at White Sands Beach in South Seaside Park at 23rd Avenue. From 5 - 8 p.m., reggae band The Verdict will be performing “a fun and exhilarating blend of the sounds of the Caribbean.”

Wednesday, August 23, beginning at 5 p.m. at Veterans Park, will be the annual “Night Out Against Crime and Night of Two Headliners,” Amato said. “The Berkeley Township Police Department will be on hand along with our township first aid squads, township fire departments and other public safety agencies to greet residents and show the different types of equipment that they utilize. All of these public safety agencies will have their vehicles and equipment on display, as well. Our DARE Program will also be there with games and prizes for the children to enjoy.”

The first headliner will be at 6 p.m. Gerard Esposito celebrates the music from Broadway to Vegas, followed by Garden State Radio, a pop and rock band playing hits from the 80s, 90s and today. “This band will thrill the audience with the music from Pat Benatar to Katy Perry; from Michael Jackson to Journey and many more,” Amato said.

The final performances will be on Saturday, September 9 for Berkeley Township Community Pride Day. Community Pride Day runs from 2 - 9 p.m. and recognizes the original Founder’s Day and anniversary of the town. There will be a circle of vendors, crafters, and local service groups with tables selling food

Mayor:

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12 wonderful years...It’s been 12 difficult years,” he said, mentioning the challenges of Superstorm Sandy, forest fires, and the pandemic.

“An opportunity has been afforded to me to move to a greater role,” he said. “I plan on working each and every day for the citizens and will continue to be responsive to the community until my term is expired.”

He was emotional in his statement and had to pause to collect himself. “I really love this town. Thank you everyone for this.” and showcasing their products and services.

The council members all shared kind words for the mayor during a portion of the meeting reserved for them to talk about anything going on in town.

At 5 p.m., the township will recognize the 22nd Anniversary of the September 11th attacks and will host a 9/11 Memorial and Remembrance Ceremony. All are encouraged to join the ceremony at the memorial near the stage.

The first show will be Stiletto & the Saxman at 6 p.m. “This entertaining act delivers a great show singing hits of doo-wop, the Rat Pack, popular standards and more.” At 7:30 p.m., The Infernos Band will come on, described as “America’s #1 Show Band and the area’s premier live performance group singing four decades of music.”

“At 9 p.m., look up in the sky for our spectacular fireworks display, to end the summer concert series,” Amato said.

Refreshments are always sold by local non-profit groups and organizations that use these concerts as their fundraisers.

All of the shows mentioned in this article are free.

“As always, the cost of the summer entertainment is funded by community and business donations. These donations fund Berkeley Township’s entire Summer Concert Series, our Beach Party, Berkeley Community Pride Day and other summer events. The funds are also raised through the Mayor’s golf outing, our summer program book and outdoor stage advertising,” Amato said.

The Mayor and Council thanked the events’ generous sponsors, without whom these concerts would not be possible.

Local businesses, civic groups or others interested in sponsoring can visit BTREC.org and look under “concerts” or contact Berkeley Recreation at 732-269-4456.

Another event that helps sponsor the concerts is the Annual Mayor’s Golf Outing, which is scheduled for Friday, September 29. Anyone interested in being a sponsor or playing can contact Berkeley Recreation at 732-269-4456.

Mayor Amato added, “As you can see, we have a great mix of talented groups in our summer line up. There’s something for everyone! Please come on out for a great summer of entertainment and don’t forget to bring a chair!” town’s leader through difficult times and still kept taxes low.

“You did a great job governing this municipality. It’s been a great honor working under it,” he said.

Councilman Angelo Guadagno said “You work tremendously hard. I don’t think the residents know how much you work. We don’t know how he does it. We are lucky to have you.”

“Thanks for keeping us together,” Councilman James Byrnes said. “I can’t wait ‘til you go to Trenton so I can call Trenton every day.” www.TallwoodsCareCenter.com

Councilman Michael Signorile said how many people in the senior communities talk about how happy they are with his work.

Council President John Bacchione, who had announced his candidacy for mayor after Amato announced he was seeking the senate seat, noted that Amato had been the

Councilwoman Sophia Gingrich had to initially pass on her turn to make a comment because she was crying. Finally it came back around to her and she said “The most important thing is that he’s a friend and he’s a man who sets his sights on what’s important and gets it done. He’s a man with integrity.”