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Students and parents press board; safety patrol and student government reinstated
Summary
After repeated public comments from parents and sixth‑grade students, the Little Egg Harbor Township Board of Education reallocated savings and reinstated Frog Pond’s safety patrol and student government, citing $8,800 in reinstatement costs and administrative reallocation of paraprofessional savings.
At the Little Egg Harbor Township Board of Education meeting, persistent public testimony from parents and students prompted the board to restore two school programs it had cut earlier this year.
Sixth graders and parents packed the room during public comment, telling the board the programs teach leadership, keep students safer and boost school morale. “Taking safety patrol away means my class and every class after us won’t get the same chance to step up,” sixth grader Meredith Seals said, adding that the positions teach responsibility and teamwork.
The board’s superintendent said administrators identified savings from recently reallocated paraprofessional positions and directed a portion of those savings to reinstate the Frog Pond student government, Frog Pond safety patrol and a social–emotional program at George J. Mitchell for a combined cost of $8,800. “Based upon current savings realized through the reallocation of resources … we’re able to reinstate the aforementioned programs for a cost of $8,800,” the superintendent said.
Why it matters: Students and parents argued the programs cost little relative to budget totals but deliver concrete benefits — leadership opportunities, bus and hallway safety, and increased engagement — that help academic outcomes. Several speakers volunteered to fundraise and help cover costs if needed.
What the board said: Board members thanked students for speaking and said the reinstatement was possible because of administrative budget reallocations. One member explained the funds were not new revenue but money freed up when the district adjusted staffing to lower benefit costs. Board members also signaled transportation and staffing stability as priorities for the coming year.
What happens next: The superintendent said the positions will be posted and teachers may apply; board approval will follow the usual hiring protocol. The board scheduled its next regular public meeting for Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.
