What is the cost of not building a new middle school in Upper Freehold? We will lose approximately 16 percent or $6.4 million in state funding if we do not pass the referendum the first time. The state funds are diminishing rapidly and many districts are passing referendums for new schools to take advantage of this money. Second, construction costs are continually rising. Delaying construction will increase the price, and coupled with the fact of no state funds, we will end up building a new school for more money, with fewer facilities. Thirdly, renting trailers at approximately $1 million will severely impact the school budget. These costs will directly affect the services our district provides. At best, we can expect to eliminate many programs, such as after-school activities, music, art, sports, etc.
It is a fact that these children are coming, and we must prepare now to accommodate them. Our school board has thoroughly researched our options over the past year and a half, and has done an excellent job. Some have suggested that we should simply add onto the existing elementary/middle school. If you want a school with less than optimal educational programs, little or no athletic fields, your children eating lunch at 9 a.m., at a price tag comparable to a new, state-of-the-art school, then fine. It is a shame that township officials did not buy the adjacent land when the school board first asked them to. Others have said that they want a new high school. In order to build a new high school, Allentown and Upper Freehold would have to bear the entire cost. Millstone only pays tuition.
When you consider the cost of more land, more fields, and much more expensive educational facilities, our costs for a high school would be at least tripled. Not to mention the fact that we already have a beautiful, newly renovated high school.
As an educated voter, to me, the choice is clear. Please vote yes for the school referendum in December.
Maryann Frisbie
YES Committee member
Upper Freehold