FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – Special law enforcement officers employed by the Freehold Township Police Department will provide security when schools in Freehold Township reopen for in-person instruction.
Shared services agreements have been executed between the Township Committee and the Freehold Regional High School District and the Township Committee and the Freehold Township K-8 School District.
The FRHSD operates Freehold Township High School and the Freehold Township K-8 School District operates seven elementary schools, two middle schools and an early childhood learning center.
During a meeting on Aug. 18, committee members renewed an agreement with each school district for Class II and Class III special law enforcement officers. Special law enforcement officers are permitted to carry a firearm while they are on duty.
The municipality’s shared services agreements with the two school districts were initially implemented in 2018.
According to municipal officials, the agreement with the Freehold Township K-8 School District will cost about $160,000 per year. The agreement with the FRHSD will cost about $55,000 per year. The cost will be split 50/50 between the township and each school district.
The FRHSD began the 2020-21 school year with all students in its six high schools receiving remote instruction during the ongoing coronavirus health crisis. A date has not been announced as to when students whose parents opted for in-person instruction will return to school.
The Freehold Township K-8 School District is employing all-remote instruction for the first two weeks of the 2020-21 school year. Students whose parents opted for in-person instruction are expected to begin attending school on Sept. 21, according to district administrators.