Flawed S2 Legislation has caused Neptune Township School Districts to lose millions of dollars, and the budget cuts are only growing worse. We need all hands on deck to stand up for our community!

Please sign this petition calling on NJ Governor Murphy and NJ State Legislators to:

• Reinstate state aid lost from S2 legislation and immediately halt these cuts. We need more, not less, funding for Neptune Township schools for the 2024-2025 school year.
• Re-examine and revamp the critically-flawed formula on which S-2 is based in order to ensure school aid is distributed fairly to all districts.
• Hold districts “harmless” in terms of state aid.
• Provide increased oversight to charter schools.

The future of our our community, teachers and students are at stake in Neptune! Please sign and share the petition today!

BACKGROUND

S-2 legislation, which was passed a number of years ago, deals with a complex school funding formula. Essentially, the legislators want municipalities to pay their “fair share” in school taxes as opposed to depending on the state aid that they have always received.  

The passing of S2 has led to the loss of millions of dollars for Neptune Township School District. The district continues to experience additional loss each year. While enrollment has declined, to be sure, district expenses in supporting socio-economically disadvantaged students have not.

Over the last several years, Neptune has lost 19 million dollars. Neptune cut 25 positions for the 23-24 school year and reduced all discretionary accounts. Neptune is currently using fund balance and a high tax levy increase to reconcile the budget, however, next year’s budget for the 2024-2025 year will be very challenging.  

For years, Neptune’s state aid was flat, but adequate. Each of the last several years, Neptune schools have seen a tremendous decrease, forcing the Neptune Board of Education (BOE) to make difficult decisions. The formula in S2 legislation does not take into account the 15% and higher health insurance increase, increases in salaries, or inflation. Additionally, Neptune is faced with a 5 million dollar tuition to charter school charge.

Sign the petition today! We need the engagement of our entire community to speak out and stand up for Neptune Schools. Please sign and share it today!