Ocean, Monmouth Counties Hit Hard by Phil Murphy Funding Assault Against Shore Schools

Shore News Network

Even the NJEA can’t stomach what Governor Murphy has done to students here at the Jersey Shore: Too many students will be hurt by drastic cuts to some districts.

TRENTON-Phil Murphy is raising taxes on just about anything in New Jersey since taking office. He’s also increasing state aid to many underperforming districts across the state, including a whopping $16 million to students in the only Ocean County town that supported him in his election.

As for the towns surrounding Lakewood, which voted for his opponent, Kim Guadagno, Murphy is making drastic cuts and as many as 1,000 teachers and faculty here are facing the prospect of losing their jobs. The irony in the Murphy actions against Ocean and Monmouth County school funding is that the boards of education in Brick Township and Toms River Township are primarily controlled by Murphy Democrats under the “Clean Slate” banner who have been unable to use their political connections and support for Murphy to convince the Governor to change his decision to slash funding in those districts.

The largest school district in the area, the Toms River Regional School District has announced 80 jobs will be cut due to a cut by Murphy of over $83 million over the next 6 years. This year alone, the district will lose $2.6 million from Murphy.


School boards in Jackson, Brick and Lacey have also hinted at large staff reductions this year.

Murphy has cut $38 million from Monmouth County schools, led by Democrat State Assemblywoman Joann Downey and Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling.

NJEA President Marie Blistan hailed Murphy’s 2019 budget.

“Gov. Murphy’s second budget is a progressive, people-focused budget that builds on the investments his administration has already made. It focuses on the things that working families need in order to thrive, including record investment in public education,” Blistan said. “It demonstrates respect for working people by continuing the path toward responsible pension funding with the largest pension contribution in New Jersey history.”

“Too many students will be hurt by drastic cuts to some districts,” the NJEA also said.

There is good news in the Murphy budget this year. He has earmarked $7.5 million annually to fund Planned Parenthood.

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