I am writing this letter as a proud resident of Freehold Borough. The school improvement referendum that was rejected by voters on Sept. 30, however, has turned that pride to anger.
The fiduciary responsibility of the Board of Education is to make sure the children of the district are provided with a “thorough and efficient” education. For years, the Freehold Borough K-8 School District has done more with less to ensure a quality education is being provided to all students who pass through our school doors each day.
We are, in fact, an example to neighboring towns about what exactly an “efficient” education is; it is a requirement when you do not have much to work with. Voters were not asked to fund a swimming pool, or a turf field; those are luxuries. Residents were asked for permission to build classrooms and other essential upgrades, many of which were deemed necessary almost eight years ago when the last referendum was rejected.
The tax increase from this referendum would amount to approximately $1 per day or less for the average homeowner. Coincidentally, in Lakewood — a town where most residents certainly are not any wealthier than the residents of Freehold Borough, and where they require a state monitor to help the school board untangle the fiscal mess they are in — voters passed their referendum by almost a 2-to-1 margin. It is shameful that the citizens of Freehold Borough cannot come together and do the right thing.
If you have questions about the plans, come to a school board meeting and ask the board members. Call the superintendent of schools, Dr. Tomazic. Or just visit the website at www.freeholdboro.k12.nj.us to view all the information at your leisure.
Hopefully, the next time the residents of this town are asked to vote for something that is for the ultimate benefit of the entire town, you will search your heart and do the right thing. Susan Greitz Freehold Borough