Help Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School!
Help Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School!
Â
On December 8th, 2023, the school boards of Toms River Regional and Seaside Heights both approved a resolution to regionalize school districts. This would be done by closing Seaside's elementary school, Hugh J. Boyd, Jr. Elementary School. Toms River would absorb the students and staff of Seaside. If the state approves of this, it could be put up to a public vote in both Toms River and Seaside Heights as early as this March 2024. If passed in March, the schools could regionalize by the 2024-2025 school year.
What are the motives behind this?Â
Toms River COULD receive additional funding as a grant from the state if they secure Seaside as their 5th sending district. They are only eligible for this grant if this goes through this year. If the process doesn't get rushed through like they are trying to, it is uncertain if they will have a chance to ever receive this extra state funding.
Seaside Heights would control the real estate of the school building.
Taxes could increase! It is said you could save money, however in the feasibility study, it states "Moving Seaside Heights into The Toms River District would cause property tax increases if it is done either as a share of equalized property or on a per-student share." On the other hand, if "a transitional allocation method" they could save money. So, this means if the vote is passed, it is uncertain what the tax impact would be. Also, keep in mind, that the town has said it would use the school to convert it into a municipality building. Who knows what this could cost taxpayers?
Schools often play a significant role in property values within a community. Closing a local school and regionalizing education could potentially affect property values in the area, as the appeal of living in a community with a nearby school might decrease.
No student or families of the students want their school to close. You can support them by voting no and allowing them to have their school. Our population benefits greatly from a walking district to drop off and pick up their kids. The small school allows for smaller class sizes for students to achieve more in school.