JERSEY SHORE – As schools in Ocean County close due to state funding cuts, residents gathered at Veterans Park in Bayville to speak out in defense of their communities.
“I’ve seen our seniors be stressed over the tax increases that cut into their fixed incomes. I watch the infighting within our community ramp up every year,” said teacher Rhiannon Mindas, who led the rally.
She noted that some politicians in Trenton have no idea that local districts are suffering so much. She attended a Senate Education Committee meeting based on the suggestion of Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R-12th), who was unable to attend the rally. The Senate committee chair said something to the effect they hadn’t heard from too many people about this so the problem couldn’t be that bad. She said the schools where the committee chair lives are likely getting their funding.
That underscored the frustration that a lot of local residents are feeling. Some schools get disproportionally more aid than others.
“We need the formula to be adjusted, to be transparent, and to allow all students in New Jersey to have opportunities,” said Mindas, who uses the moniker “Teacher In NJ” online.
There was paperwork on a table near the stage showing participants how to contact members of the State Senate and Assembly Education Committees.
A petition called for a new funding formula that prioritized the needs of students, prevents significant cuts, and is transparent enough that district officials can budget accurately year to year.
A few dozen residents came out. Some chose not to speak to this newspaper because they were teachers. The ones who did speak said they saw their taxes go up, while educational opportunities are being reduced.
Maggie Adamcewicz came from Spotswood. She said she attended for her grandchildren, one of whom is on the autism spectrum.
When cuts to schools are made, those in special education are the most vulnerable, she said. They can’t always advocate for themselves, especially if they are nonverbal.
Advocating for grandkids was a common theme among the people at the rally.
“We have grandchildren in school and when funding gets cut, and the programs get cut, the kids lose out so much and that’s not right,” said Barbara Paczkowski of Whiting, formerly of Bayville.
She and her husband Rich said that it amounts to discrimination how some school systems get money and some don’t.
Tony Rockhill of Beachwood said “My kids are all out of school. They’re bringing their kids into school now. They’re going to have to deal with cut programs, and larger class sizes.” Meanwhile, the homeowners will have to contribute more in taxes for less education.
The post Rally Gathers To “Save Our Schools” appeared first on Jersey Shore Online.
