What do I need to know about the loss of aid?
As we plan the budget for 2020-2021, the additional loss of aid is anticipated at $4.2 million. The loss of aid is cumulative, therefore the total loss of aid a er two years of cuts will be approximately $8.8 million.
Legislation, P.L. 2018, Chapter 67, commonly referred to as S2, requires districts such as Brick to raise taxes each year over the next six years. The mandatory tax increase will be 2% of local school tax levy annually. Additionally, our school district is considered to be $11.5 million under adequacy for spending as determined by the NJ Department of Education. The combination of the loss of aid, a below adequacy budget, and the annual mandated increase of 2% will NOT bridge the gap for Brick Schools.
How does the continued loss of aid impact Brick Township School District and the community?
The district has been faced with a series of cuts to bridge the gap with this loss of aid. Over the past two years, the district has already cut administrative, teacher, and support staff positions. We are on track for continued losses of staff and, ultimately, programs for our students. Please know that the Brick School District remains concerned that our more recent gains with student achievement will be marginalized with the many changes forecasted.
Did the district take any action to appeal the loss of aid?
In 2017-2018, the district initially faced a loss of $750,798, a er the budget had already been developed. As it was the first year of aid loss, districts were offered the option to apply to have aid reinstated. Brick did apply, with voluminous documentation, and aid was returned to the district. Following the same process, the district again applied for reinstatement of the sum of both 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-2020 aid figures as that was the anticipated loss. Our application and a subsequent appeal was denied.
What has the district done beyond appeals to the NJ Department of Education?
We have and continue to take action on behalf of the community. Brick Township Public School District has continued to collaborate with districts in the region over the past few years in pursuit of a remedy at the state level.
What can you do as a local citizen?
The most important thing each citizen can do is to remain informed. Appeal processes have not been successful, the budgetary impact is real and has already begun to impact every classroom and program in the district. Please visit the school web site for the most current information
The Brick Township School District seeks your continued support in all of our efforts to advocate for our students, staff, programs, and the future of our community!