Neptune board cites funding shortfalls, approves routine items after heated public comments on taxes

Neptune Township Board of Education officials on July 8 said the district has lost tens of millions in state and federal funding and faces rising operating costs, and the board unanimously approved routine agenda items after speakers at public comment urged relief from higher local property taxes.

Superintendent Dr. Crater opened the public portion by summarizing the district’s fiscal pressures, saying, “Over the past 6 years, our district has experienced a loss of more than $25,000,000 in state and federal funding.” He told the board and public that the district is also encountering a “25% increase in health care and prescription drug costs, a 30% increase in utility expenses,” rising transportation costs, and “the escalating tuition for charter schools now totaling over $4,000,000 annually.”

The district framed the tax increase as a last-resort response to those combined pressures. “Without this tax levy increase, we would have had to cut 40 positions, cancel programs, provide less transportation, and increase our class sizes,” Dr. Crater said. He emphasized the district’s academic programs and partnerships — citing AP course participation, a summer music program and an early college program with Brookdale Community College — while urging the community to press state legislators for funding relief.

Why it matters: Neptune’s statements echo concerns raised statewide under the so-called S2 school-funding framework. Board leaders said local taxpayers now shoulder costs that previously were funded by the state and federal streams, producing sharp increases on homeowners’ bills and heightened public frustration.

Public comment focused on taxes, assessment increases and school performance. Several residents described large recent property tax jumps and urged the board to lobby state lawmakers or seek local solutions. Joel Popkin said his taxes rose “over $10,000” in two years and called for limits on property assessment increases. Phil Sherman said his school portion rose $6,900 this year and asked whether further increases are expected.

Some commenters urged community engagement and defended the district’s schools. Joanne Marinac asked about attendance and graduation strategies after referencing a 66% graduation rate; Dr. Crater responded with program details, noting targeted career programs such as on-campus phlebotomy coursework and the district’s early college cohorts. Nancy Phillips and Tara Samuels spoke about personal and family-level outcomes tied to the district’s programs.

A separate public request asked the board to name the Neptune High School weight room for coach Tom (Tommy) Walsh, who died June 30. Debbie Terrell, identifying herself as Walsh’s sister, said, “I am proposing that the weight room at the high school be named in memory of Tom Walsh,” and the board said it would look into her request.

Board business and votes: Following public comment the board approved multiple consent agenda items by voice and roll-call votes. The approvals — each carried unanimously — covered minutes, the superintendent’s report (Document A, items 1–14), finance items (Document B1, items 1–10), a facilities item (Document B2, item 1), transportation (Document B3, items 1–4), education special projects (Document C1, items 1–3), personnel (Document D1, items 1–42) and the schedule of meetings. The board chair repeatedly encouraged residents to contact state legislators about funding.

Board members present during roll call included Miss Harris, Miss Hoffman, Mr. Hubbard, Miss Jones, Miss Morgan, Miss Puryear, Vice President Thompson, Mr. West and Miss Jackson; Miss Dela Sala conducted the roll call.

Background and constraints cited by the board: Dr. Crater and board members noted that many district buildings were built with School Development Authority (SDA) funds and that the district does not retain sale profits; the board said proceeds from any sale of SDA-funded buildings revert to the school development authority and must be used for educational purposes. The superintendent also said the district typically budgets conservatively for federal Title funds (Title I/II/III) — “we get about a million dollars in those grant monies,” he said — and that the timing and amount of any federal release remained uncertain.

What happened next: After completing the consent agenda and hearing final remarks, the board moved to adjourn. Several public speakers and board members reiterated the request that residents contact state lawmakers to press for an “equitable funding formula.”

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes (special meeting/NJSBA training 06/25/2025 and regular meeting 06/25/2025): Moved by Vice President Thompson; seconded by Miss Puryear. Roll call: unanimous “Aye.” Outcome: approved.

- Superintendent’s report (Document A, items 1–14): Moved by Mr. Hubbard; seconded by Vice President Thompson. Roll call: unanimous “Aye.” Outcome: approved.

- Finance (Document B1, items 1–10): Moved by Miss Jones; seconded by Mr. Hubbard. Roll call: unanimous “Aye.” Outcome: approved.

- Facilities (Document B2, item 1): Moved by Miss Harris; seconded by Vice President Thompson. Roll call: unanimous “Aye.” Outcome: approved.

- Transportation (Document B3, items 1–4): Moved by Mr. West; seconded by Miss Jones. Roll call: unanimous “Aye.” Outcome: approved.

- Education special projects (Document C1, items 1–3): Moved by Miss Puryear; seconded by Vice President Thompson. Roll call: unanimous “Aye.” Outcome: approved.

- Personnel (Document D1, items 1–42): Moved by Mrs. Hoffman; seconded by Miss Harris. Roll call: unanimous “Aye.” Outcome: approved.

- Schedule of meetings: Moved by Miss Morgan; seconded by Miss Jones. Roll call: unanimous “Aye.” Outcome: approved.

(Approvals above reflect the motions and roll-call results recorded in the public transcript; item-level details are listed in the meeting documents cited on the district website.)