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  • Freehold Borough Schools Get 43 More Students This Year 

    by Colleen Curry on September 1st, 2010 | Comment

    The News Transcript reported yesterday that enrollment in the Freehold Borough school district is up 43 students this year, tallying a total of 1,405 Borough munchkins expanding their minds at the town's three schools this year.

    No other major changes are on the horizons for the schools, according to the story.

    However, [...]

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  • Back to School, with Fewer Activities 

    by Colleen Curry on August 31st, 2010 | Comment

    Yesterday, we reported how Freehold students might feel a little crowded in their classrooms this year, with fewer teachers on the payroll.

    Today, the budget cut effects are in the news again, as the APP reports that students will head back to school next week with fewer extracurricular activities to join.

    [...]

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  • Schundler Hears Boro School Woes 

    by Kim Predham on June 3rd, 2010 | Comment

    Borough school officials had a clear message for Bret Schundler Wednesday: Help!

    Schundler, the state’s new education commissioner, visited Freehold Wednesday for a visit with school officials, who discussed the district’s financial situation and state aid issues. He was accompanied by 12th District legislators Sen. Jennifer Beck, Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande and Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon Jr.

    [...]

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  • Basket Raffle at Freehold Learning Center 

    by Kevin Tennant on May 20th, 2010 | Comment

    This Saturday 5/22 from 5pm - 8pm, the FLC PTO will be sponsoring a Basket Raffle at the Freehold Learning Center, 30 Dutch Lane Road, Freehold.

    $10 per person at the door (includes pasta dinner, beverage and dessert) Seating is limited! Raffle Tickets available for purchase 50/50 Raffle ADULTS ONLY PLEASE!

    Come an join us for [...]

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  • Council Cuts $68,648 from School District’s Defeated Budget 

    by Colleen Curry on May 18th, 2010 | Comment

    The Borough Council voted Monday to shave $68,648 from the local school district's defeated 2010-2011 tax levy and $2.65 million from the Freehold Regional High School District's levy, the first municipality within that district to do so.

    The governing bodies in Freehold Township, Manalapan and Englishtown voted last week in favor [...]

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  • Borough To Determine School Budget Tonight 

    by Colleen Curry on May 17th, 2010 | Comment

    The Freehold Borough Council will announce its plan for the Borough schools tonight at the regularly-scheduled Workshop Meeting.

    Following last month's defeat of the proposed school budget by Borough voters, the Council is charged with determining the tax levy for residents. 

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  • Jackie Robinson’s daughter a big hit in Freehold 

    by Kim Predham on May 11th, 2010 | Comment

    Jackie Robinson and Myles Hutcherson were born in different eras and places. They loved different sports - baseball for Robinson, basketball for Hutcherson.

    But what the two have in common, says Hutcherson's fourth-grade teacher, is character.

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  • Patriots Get Milestone Victory 

    by Colleen Curry on May 10th, 2010 | Comment

    John Talamo had four goals and three assists and helped fourth-seeded Freehold Township reach two milestones in a 12-1 Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinal victory over 12th-seeded Howell on Saturday.

    The victory gave the Patriots (14-1) the most wins in school history and also propelled them into the SCT boys lacrosse semifinals for the first time [...]

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  • FTHS Discrete Math Class Spotlighted 

    by Colleen Curry on May 6th, 2010 | Comment

    Amid budget controversies and superintendent retirements, the Freehold Regional High School District must be doing something right (well, given the district's 98% graduation rate, it's probably doing a lot of things right.)

    Still, the district's Freehold Township High School was the focus of an education spotlight in today's Asbury Park Press, highlighting [...]

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  • Jordan Reelected School Board Prez; Reich Vice-Prez 

    by Colleen Curry on April 27th, 2010 | Comment

    The Freehold Borough School Board swore in its newest, and some of its oldest, members last night at the annual organization meeting.

    Winners of last weeks election included incumbents Annette Jordan, Ron Reich, and Daniel Xavier, and newly-elected Thomas Parke and Kevin Tennant. All except for Tennant, who was asbent, were sworn in to their [...]

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  • FRHSD Holds Organization Meeting Tonight 

    by Colleen Curry on April 26th, 2010 | Comment

    Following last week's school board elections and budget vote, there's been a lot of chatter here on Freehold InJersey about the Freehold Regional High School District's financial woes.

    Well, tonight the FRHSD Board of Ed will hold its organization meeting at 8pm at the administration building (11 Pine Street, Englishtown), where it will swear [...]

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  • This Weekend: Muslim/Jewish Rap Battle In Freehold Township. Really. 

    by Colleen Curry on April 22nd, 2010 | Comment

    This weekend, Muslim and Jewish rappers and slam poets will come together to explore hot-button issues for audiences at Freehold Township High School.

    The Tug of War Tour features original hip-hop and spoken word from Iranian-Israeli rap duo Mazzi &Sneaks, The Hebrew Mamita, Tahani Salah, and DJ Dash Speaks. The groups labels themselves a "thought-provoking [...]

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    • Ellen Weiss 11:21 pm on July 7, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Aw — I wish I coulda seen that jewish-muslim battle– did they have Greenie in it ? the Krs-one produced Greenie guy? I’m lovin his song “My Son, The Schvartze” but I wonder if non-Jews “get it” like we do

  • Freehold and Freehold Twp School District Election Results: Budgets Defeated 

    by Colleen Curry on April 20th, 2010 | Comment

    The votes are in, Freehold!

    Polls closed at 9PM and the election results for our districts are:

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    • dfx 9:56 am on April 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I would like to thank everyone for coming out yesterday and making your voices heard. As I’ve stated countless times before, public participation is crucial to this process and yesterday’s voter turnout was a 27-year high – with approximately 24 percent of registered voters in Monmouth County alone. And while this year’s super-charged atmosphere was somewhat different (in terms of political overtones), the fact that people took a more active role in their community is a true testament to the strength of our democracy.

      On a personal level, I’d like to thank everyone for providing me with an opportunity to serve on the school board for the next 12 months. I appreciate so many people vindicating my actions over the last 8 months and I will continue to support the district’s high educational standards while remaining mindful of all taxpayer investments. Additionally, I will keep walking the town to actively solicit community feedback so that each of you feels represented and not “omitted” from the process.

      Thank you,

      Dan Xavier
      DanielX@freeholdboro.k12.nj.us

      PS.
      I always distribute my e-mail address for a reason – please don’t be shy and USE IT…

      • KVRaymond 10:09 am on April 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Congratulations Dan! I’m glad you’re serving another year and also happy about the others elected. Too bad about the budget though.

    • JERSJOE 12:00 pm on April 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I’m glad the budget was voted down. I’ve had enough of the insanity of taxation. Four years ago my property taxes were around $3600 and they are now almost $6000. Good luck and please do the right thing for our community.

    • kvraymond 12:48 pm on April 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I totally get why people are upset about paying higher taxes. I just know the BOE worked very hard to ask for as little as possible from the tax payers. I guess it comes down to your value system. I value our students,teachers and the bettering of the boro thru education and relevant taxes. I trust our BOE to spend wisely and would have graciously paid that very small increase. But again, I put our students first not a few dollars. And I know there are people with very different priorities.

      • Moohoo 11:08 am on April 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        I categorically reject the argument that voting no on the school budget necessarily implies having a low priority on education. Having priority on a matter does not always mean throwing money at it. The real issue in this case is whether you have faith in the current system to spend the money wisely.

    • kathyr 1:11 pm on April 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I am THOROUGHLY delighted to see that the budget was voted down. As a taxpayer in TWO towns, I see programs cut everywhere. So where is the funding going?? Time to clean out the offices that house employees that take up space. Time to put in transportation for handicapped children, get rid of teachers that teach in Spanish and go for programs that will help “our” children develope and learn whats needed to survive in this world. Congrats to the BOE members that won this election. Keep up the good work, you are valued more than you realize. Again, Thank You.

    • kvraymond 1:34 pm on April 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I totally agree that we should not be throwing money at overpaid higher-ups. But in the boro the budget increase was simply an effort to keep things flat. With money being lost due to chrisie the boe really had to request that 1.76 to strive for status quo. There are increases in utilities and health insurance that need to be covered. I know there are towns where money is going out the window. This is not the case in the boro and that’s in huge part to our caring and effective boe. So, again, I stand behind my town, schools,teachers and students. Not to mention the fact that better schools mean higher home values. Many people don’t buy in the boro bc they know the schools are under adequacy. So for those who don’t care about the kids, the programs and the schools, don’t you at least care about making ours a more valued and valuable town. I voted after researching, attending, meetings and getting the facts. I think if the no voters had done so as well they may have voted differently. My priorities are good schools and a thriving town. The vote against 1.76 percent shows not everyone cares. Very sad. And as far as throwing money at the wrong people – the useless admins – the boro doesn’t do that. We don’t have the money to do so.

    • MJWein 5:22 pm on April 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Given the state and duration of the current economic trend, I find it almost unthinkable that any level of increase in spending was requested. Sooner or later the spenders are going to have to come to grips with the fact that many are and will continue to suffer and that increased spending shouldn’t always be the default answer.

      • KVRaymond 8:36 pm on April 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Though I agree, these are tough times and to ask tax payers to fork over more money is, at first glance, downright awful…but I do believe this is an investment. My family is struggling now…but if I want to ensure that my youngest son and his generation have a fighting chance when they are older I am more than happy to make that investment into the education system. If it weren’t for the cuts made by the state, the increases in insurance premiums due to greedy insurance companies and the increases in utilities, the boro would not need to even ask for this increase. And the increase in taxes does not mean an increase in their budget. It means they remain flat…which continues to leave our schools below adequacy. I admit I am applying my logic to Freehold Boro only – other towns are different and do over spend…absolutely! But the Boro needs the money not to squander it but to continue on at status quo. I had to make the choice as someone without any expendible income…and even though we are facing debt and plenty of financial woes…I still, hands down, choose the schools. Not just for my son but for all of the students in the Boro and for the Boro itself. But, I wholly understand those who simply can’t do this financially. I just wish so much that people would see it is an investment – not an expense. But, I think I’m falling on many deaf ears here so will bow out and continue in my own support of our next generation even if others can’t.

    • Collette Bantz 10:28 pm on April 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      How does St Rose educate at half the cost? St Rose students do very well in the upper grades and universities. It is insane to pay bigher property tax so the teachers unions can bleed us dry. No one has ever moved to the Boro because of public schools This year the voters said “enough”!.

      • dfx 10:15 am on April 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        This message is in response to the St. Rose reference:

        St. Rose is an excellent school, however it is unfair to compare that school to a public institution in the sense that each student who attends St. Rose is charged an admission fee to offset the costs of the school whereas there’s no fee for a public education. On top of that, St. Rose also receives state aid. (This state aid is classified as aid to the Freehold Borough School District, however it is only passed through the district.) The claim that St. Rose educates its students at half the cost is simply not true.

        To truly compare the two, one must look at the academic performance of children who attend St. Rose vs. the Boro’s schools in addition to the number of St. Rose students (?) vs. the Boro students (1,375) while also considering how the charging of an admission fee affects the demographic/socioeconomic make-up of the student population. And finally, one must keep in mind that public institutions are held to a different set of laws that govern how they operate or the type of services that they provide.

        Again, I think St. Rose is fine establishment, but comparing it to public education is truly apples vs. oranges and I just wanted to clarify a few things…

        Thank you,

        Dan Xavier

        • D Bruno 11:28 pm on April 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

          Yes, St. Rose is an excellent school, however it is totally fair to compare “that school” to a public institution in the sense that the cost to educate each student who attends St. Rose costs less than it does in your “public institution” . That is an indisputable fact .

          “To truly compare the two, one must look at the academic performance of children who attend St. Rose vs. the Boro’s schools in addition to the number of St. Rose students (?) vs. the Boro students (1,375) while also considering how the charging of an admission fee affects the demographic/socioeconomic make-up of the student population.“ Good lord, you misconstrue a simple equation into complex bureaucratic mumbo jumbo. You conclusively proved what is wrong with your public institutions, too many (overpaid) bureaucrats peddling malarkey.

          The measure is how well St Rose children perform is through an analysis of just how well prepared these children are for high school and collage.

          And finally, one must keep in mind that an apples and oranges analogy is totally off base. Both school systems must adequately teach young minds. The different set of laws that govern how a “public institution” operates is called government waist. The type of services that both schools provide are exactly the same, I called it an elementary school education.

          St Rose does it better and at a lower cost per pupil.

          • dfx30 7:11 am on April 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply

            Mr./Ms. Bruno –

            I’m sorry that you feel that way.

            Thank you,

            Daniel Xavier

            PS. Board of Education members in Freehold Borough are unpaid. As far as “bureaucrats peddling malarkey” and that you feel I “misconstrue a simple equation into complex bureaucratic mumbo jumbo”, I understand the inconvenience of facts and will cease responding.

    • KVRaymond 10:50 pm on April 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I think this year the voters said, we don’t give a crap about our kids. And St Rose isn’t all that great of an education. You all really need to read up more. This whole anti-tax thing is so sad. You get what you pay for. Our teachers make squat…and that’s thanks to a bunch of ill-informed people who don’t care about anyone. The boro is not asking for the increase because of the teachers union! They need it because of the cuts the state made and because of the insurance companies and utility rate increases. If you have a problem paying our teachers to educate our kids you need to check your value system.

    • Enough Waste 1:25 am on April 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      For those voicers who “understand” why the budgets failed but voted in support; unfortunately it’s not about the children. It’s about a corrupt teachers union and an unbelievable waste of money for everything from paper to excessive administrative positions, benefits and salaries. Congratulations for those who had the courage to stand up and recognize this for what it is.

    • MJWein 9:40 am on April 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Kudos to Enough Waste, you nailed.

      And to KVraymond I say, you are not alone in your desire to invest, but even beginning investors know when it’s time to sell. It was past time for the stop-loss to kick in and slow down the spending juggernaut; the answer is not always “more for better.” But hey, if you are so inclined to foot the bill, have at it. Afterall, this is a free country.

      In fact, what we have is a ridiculously indulgent education system that is controlled by a minuscule faction. Failure to recognize that is key to the union’s unfettered success. If you have difficulty seeing or understanding the inherent problems with this, in your words,”You really need to read up more.” Professing a flat or reduced budget – ESPECIALLY in these rather extraordinary times – will lead to the immediate degradation of educating our children, clearly shows you are not only out of touch with the majority, but even worse, that you don’t comprehend the issue. And in that, the union has succeeded in its primary task

      That said, we must now turn our attention AND voice to our individual town governments and insist they honor the wishes of the voters. If they unable to handle it, I suggest they leave it to the State Board of Ed. Either way, it’s time to recognize the voters, rather than the “club.”

    • Amy 12:32 am on April 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I totally get why people are upset about paying higher taxes. I just know the BOE worked very hard to ask for as little as possible from the tax payers. I guess it comes down to your value system. I value our students,teachers and the bettering of the boro thru education and relevant taxes. I trust our BOE to spend wisely and would have graciously paid that very small increase. But again, I put our students first not a few dollars. And I know there are people with very different priorities.

    • KVRaymond 4:08 pm on April 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      In all honesty, if I could foot the bill I would. Sorry, I’m sure that’s not the answer you wanted to hear to your antagnostic remark (admittedly some of what I’m saying is antagonistic but – that’s pretty much tough – education means a lot to me). I will say that what amazes me is that most people out there working “regular” jobs are not getting raises and have to pay for their own insurance – while I understand (and admit I do NOT know for sure) that in many cases teachers are still getting raises. To me that does seem pretty out of whack. Again, I will admit I am ignorant as to exactly how much exactly the teachers make – I do know the salaries of some of the higher ups. And I can see why this is disturbing. I get that. I do believe, though, and this is absolutely specific to Freehold Boro, that the fact that we remain below adequacy by an insane amount of money is just not OK. So, I just could not say no to the budget when I know that the kids will suffer. I don’t believe the budget being voted down will result in the removal of those that are paid too highly or that it will eliminate waste – (and I’d love someone to explain to me what that waste is here in the boro – I mean that sincerely). If that were so – that there would truly be some positive changes and the elimination of “waste” I would be in agreement with voting it down. BUT, I have no doubt that, sadly, it will result in programs being taken away from the students. YES, this is awful – it SHOULD be taken out of the salaries of anyone who is overpaid (though I just don’t think that’s especially rampant in the boro – if I’m wrong I absolutely welcome further enlightenment). I voted yes because I know the end result will not be what most of us would like – the elimination of waste…a) because I don’t believe there is all that much waste in the boro simply given that we never have enough money! and b) because I would bet anything that it will only result in our kids receiving a lesser education. And – I know someone above took offense when I said something about priorities – I DO believe that voting on principle and saying no shows that some find it more important to say enough is enough instead of really seeing what the true consequences will be. Cut off your nose to spite your face… So, like it or not, I stand by my statement that I think many have their priorities twisted. YES, if a no vote meant there will be the changes you all think there should be…swell, and amen to you. I bet, though, that that will not be the case. I was going to walk away from this earlier because I don’t think either “side” is going to convince the other “side.” Again, different value system… So, I too, am walking away from this.

    • KVRaymond 4:16 pm on April 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      So sorry, meant to say this and after this I am done…MJWein – majority does not mean right or correct. That is illogical. So, the majority might have voted down the budget – that doesn’t make it OK or the best outcome…and as far as me being in touch with the majority – I AM in touch with how many people feel and think – that includes the majority. I just don’t happen to feel the need to conform to something simply because most people are supposedly leaning that way. Sorry, I have never been one to believe that because you have more numbers you are correct. So, that argument means absolutely nothing to me. And now I am truly done reading or responding…call me overly sensitive or whatever you like but this is all just too discouraging and disheartening to read. You might be the majority on this thread but I know MANY people who feel as I do and I believe my time is better spent working with those people in doing what we can to still provide for our students while improving our town. And if I win the lottery anytime soon I can promise you I will foot that bill.

    • Rick 3:19 pm on April 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Congratulations Dan! I’m glad you’re serving another year and also happy about the others elected. Too bad about the budget though.

    • Rick 7:46 pm on April 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I categorically reject the argument that voting no on the school budget necessarily implies having a low priority on education. Having priority on a matter does not always mean throwing money at it. The real issue in this case is whether you have faith in the current system to spend the money wisely.

    • Dave 11:51 am on April 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      How does St Rose educate at half the cost? St Rose students do very well in the upper grades and universities. It is insane to pay bigher property tax so the teachers unions can bleed us dry. No one has ever moved to the Boro because of public schools This year the voters said “enough”!.

    • Eric 9:24 pm on April 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Given the state and duration of the current economic trend, I find it almost unthinkable that any level of increase in spending was requested. Sooner or later the spenders are going to have to come to grips with the fact that many are and will continue to suffer and that increased spending shouldn’t always be the default answer.

    • Dennis 1:24 am on April 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I categorically reject the argument that voting no on the school budget necessarily implies having a low priority on education. Having priority on a matter does not always mean throwing money at it. The real issue in this case is whether you have faith in the current system to spend the money wisely.

  • Meet the Candidates: Payne and Xavier 

    by Colleen Curry on April 20th, 2010 | Comment

    Later today, nine candidates will vie for three spots on the Freehold Borough school board in the district's elections, held at the schools from 3-9PM. All residents can vote in the elections, which included voting for the school district budget and a 1.8% rise in property taxes.

    In an ongoing series, we're [...]

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  • Meet the Candidates: Ron Reich 

    by Colleen Curry on April 19th, 2010 | Comment

    Last week, nine candidates for school board in the Freehold Borough School District took questions from residents in a "Meet the Candidates" night hosted by the Intermediate School PTO.

    In an ongoing series, we're offering recaps of each candidate's answers to audience questions at the forum. This past weekend, the Asbury [...]

    Read more...
     

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