On the Berlin Township School Districts website under the Administration Processes, it is noted that in order for the State to begin an Investigation of a School Superintendents job performance, a petition has to be made and presented to the Board of Education. This is that petition.

If you want things to change for our kids and our community, please add your name and share it. Thank you.

 

 

In case you are not aware, the school Administration has submitted a budget for 2020/2021 to the county for review.  This budget includes not only huge changes to the PreSchool program, but to the entire district as a whole. I want our town to flourish and it begins with our schools.  We did not receive any grant money for our preschool program for the coming school year and we should have received roughly $1.5 million.  It is unclear whether the district didn't apply at all, or whether someone dropped the ball, but we seem to be the only district to receive nothing.  In comparison, Gloucester Twp was just awarded 4 million dollars. The district is planning to cut our program from full day to half day.  Half of the preschool staff positions have been eliminated, teachers and aides. Our preschool was so popular! We had a waiting list for enrollment. Now they want to make the program half day and continue to charge. I don't feel the children will continue to excel with only a half day session and I feel it is a step backwards for our kids and our district.  Why do we want to move backwards? And is preschool being punished because someone didn't apply for the grant?

 

 

 

What are some of the other changes that are proposed in this current budget?

 

1. Any aides who were not let go were made part time and are therefore not eligible for benefits. 

 

2. Mr Murphy will no longer be the principal of JFK.  He will return to being a gym teacher and Mrs. Bright will be the principal for both schools. 

 

3. There will be one school nurse for both buildings.

 

4. Specials teachers will be shared between both buildings and there is a possibility they will go to 80% and also receive no benefits.

 

5. No sports.

 

6. No band.

 

7. No chorus.

 

8. No Homework Club

 

9. No After School Activities of any kind.

 

10. RTI Program will be eliminated.

 

11. Deaf Studies Program will be elminate

 

 

 

The Mayor and Township have repeatedly tried to work with the Superintendent, Dr. Edythe Austermuhl, to collaborate costs and efficiency, to benefit both the town and the school district and she has refused all offers presented to her. Enrollment in our district is down.  In 2016 there were over 800 students in our schools.  Today there are 661.  Parents our sending their kids elsewhere because they are not happy with our district the way it is.  People are moving out of Berlin Twp so their kids can attend school elsewhere.  This is unacceptable to me...as a resident, as a parent, as a grandparent and as a taxpayer. It's time for us to take back control of our schools. At the very least, please attend the next two Board of Education meetings and let them know what you want your school district to look like.  If you are against any or all of these cuts, let your voice be heard. If you have questions about where our money is being spent or why we received no preschool funding, feel free to ask.  The School Board was elected by you and their job is to work for you.  Tell them what you are happy with and what you like, but also tell them what you are unhappy with and what you don't like. 

 

 

 

The School Board Meetings will be held on Thursday, April 23 at 7:30pm and on Thursday, April 30 at 7:30pm.  Due to the coronavirus, both meetings will be held via ZOOM.  As soon as I have the log on instructions, I will share them with you. 

 

 

 

This is your chance to really make a difference.  This is an opportunity to get involved in your school district and in your town.  Our kids deserve the best school district we can give them.  Lets make sure they get that.