What Are the Issues?

Neptune's schools are facing a combination of financial pressure, declining enrollment, the continuing need to improve student outcomes, and the need for a stronger voice in Trenton. 

​

• Financial Pressure: Over the last six years, the Neptune Township School District has documented a $25 million loss in state aid as a result of S-2 legislation. At the same time, the District reports approximately $4 million in charter-school tuition costs. And in 2025, Neptune Township's school tax levy increased 25.31%, from $59.5 million to approximately $74.6 million.

• Declining Enrollment: Neptune Township's enrollment declined from 4,286 students in 2016 to 3,384 students in 2025—a decline of 21%. Neptune Township is also operating several schools substantially below their stated capacity. In 2025, Neptune High School was at approximately 39% of stated capacity, Neptune Middle School at 49%, and the five operating elementary schools ranged from approximately 49% to 59%.

• The Continuing Need to Improve Student Outcomes: There are encouraging signs in Neptune, but the latest New Jersey Department of Education data show that 35.6% of Neptune students met or exceeded expectations in English Language Arts, compared with 53.0% statewide, and 22.2% met or exceeded expectations in mathematics, compared with 42.0% statewide. Chronic absenteeism also remains a significant concern: 25.4% of Neptune students were chronically absent, compared with 14.4% statewide.

• The Need for a Stronger Voice in Trenton: S-3917 proposed changes to New Jersey's school-funding laws and would have established a Special Education Funding Review Task Force. The bill passed the State Senate on June 30, 2025, but did not receive a floor vote in the General Assembly and ultimately died. For Neptune, which has already documented substantial losses in state aid, decisions made in Trenton have direct consequences for our schools and taxpayers.

​​

These are not separate problems. Neptune needs to maintain strong schools and improve student outcomes while adapting to a very different financial reality—and it needs a Board willing to advocate for Neptune when decisions in Trenton affect our students, our schools and our taxpayers. Read More