Senator henry discusses school funding concerns with old bridge officials — Empty Classroom - File Photo - Bigstock Photo

OLD BRIDGE, NJ – In a pivotal meeting with Old Bridge school officials, Senator Owen Henry (R-12) addressed the looming challenges posed by Governor Murphy’s proposed school funding cuts. The discussion aimed to explore viable solutions to mitigate the adverse effects on public schools throughout New Jersey.

Senator Henry expressed strong disapproval of the proposed budget cuts, emphasizing their detrimental impact on educational institutions. “The cuts proposed by Governor Murphy are wreaking havoc on our public schools across New Jersey. It’s unacceptable that our districts are being neglected,” Henry stated. He pledged to work towards rectifying the funding formula, underscoring the necessity of collaborative discussions and strategic planning to ensure the provision of essential resources for students and teachers.

David Cittadino, Superintendent of Old Bridge Township Public Schools, and Andrew Lewis, President of the Old Bridge Education Association, have vocalized their district’s struggles in the face of persistent funding reductions under the S2 legislation. The district’s financial hardships have led to significant measures, including school closures, property sales, and staff reductions. “With escalating expenses in transportation, healthcare, and operational supplies, the continued loss of funding undermines our ability to deliver the quality education our students deserve,” they stated.

The roundtable with Senator Henry, Superintendent Cittadino, and President Lewis was organized to shed light on the critical issue of S2 funding cuts and to discuss forward-moving strategies. The leaders are united in their commitment to overcoming the financial challenges and advocating for the educational needs of Old Bridge students.

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