Budget planning dominated public exchange at the Neptune Township Board of Education meeting as Superintendent Dr. Crater shared PSAT results and outlined near-term fiscal work while members of the public urged more aggressive cost-saving measures.

Dr. Crater reported that 229 juniors took the PSAT; "Of those 229, 42 scored 1000 or higher," he said, adding that 125 met ELA/writing graduation requirements, 83 met math requirements and two students scored 1320. He said the district is keeping budget planning on the front burner, has received requested bonding information and is considering the sale of the district's central office at 60 Neptune Boulevard as part of cost-saving research. "Everything that we need to do for next year's budget needs to be finished about March 2026," he told the assembled audience.

During public comment, Paul Owens asked for access to the Bruce Baker report on the school funding formula and for details about a proposed consultant's scope, cost and timeline; Dr. Crater said he could not disclose negotiation-sensitive consultant details and that a consultant quote had come in "too high." Resident Eric Meyer said he was concerned about state funding reductions and noted the district has cut staff and programs over time; Dr. Crater confirmed that the district "has cut 100 positions in the last 6 years" and said shared services and program adjustments are among the options under consideration.

March Mueller, a Shark River Hills property owner, urged the board to "explore every available option to lower the tax levy," including selling underused properties and pursuing district consolidation to reduce administrative costs; she also said bond debt constitutes "about a quarter of the tax levy" (a claim raised in public comment and not verified during the meeting). The board directed the superintendent and administrative budget task force to continue research and to invite community leaders to discussions scheduled for December and mid-January.

No formal action on property sale or consolidation was taken at the meeting; the board approved routine agenda items and will continue budget work in committee and through the superintendent's task force.