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May 1, 2019
RE: State Funding for the Toms River Regional School District
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Dear Governor Murphy:
In my capacity as Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the County of Ocean, I am writing to you to express
my concern regarding the reduction of State funding for the Toms River Regional School District -- the
largest school district in Ocean County. There are over 16,000 students attending 18 schools in Toms River.
Toms River Regional School District employs approximately 2,700 people, most of whom reside here in
Toms River. The current funding formula will cause the Toms River Schools to lose more than
$83,000,000.00 over the next five years. This drastic reduction in State aid will result in over 400 staff cuts
(83 this year alone), larger class sizes and the eventual elimination of extracurricular activities and athletic
programs.
From a law enforcement perspective, the elimination of extra-curricular activities and athletic programs are
of particular concern. Approximately 13,000 students in Toms River Schools participate in extra-curricular
activities and/or athletic programs. For these students, their day does not end in the early afternoon. The
research is very clear that after school hours tend to be the most generative time for juvenile delinquency
and problem behaviors. In fact, during the school week, studies show that juvenile crime peaks between
the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The importance of after-school extracurricular activities and athletic
programs cannot be understated.
I truly believe there is a direct correlation between how adolescents spend their time and juvenile
delinquency. Adolescents that spend their after-school time with positive adult supervision exhibit better
behavioral outcomes, including fewer delinquent behaviors, better school performance and higher positive
aspirations. The ripple effect of the reduction in State aid in Toms River clearly goes beyond the classroom.
Additionally, Toms River is the county seat in Ocean County. We are, collectively, ground zero for the
opioid epidemic in New Jersey. Regrettably, we rank highest in the rates of addiction, overdoses and
Narcan deployments statewide. More adolescents with less to do during their after-school hours will
undermine our most diligent efforts to halt this trend. This is a grave concern.
The potential rise in juvenile delinquency will undoubtedly emanate into our community and have a
deleterious effect on the health and well-being of our children. I respectfully request that you take whatever
action that is necessary to address these concerns.
Respectfully,
BRADLEY D. BILLHIMER
OCEAN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
BDB/bla
cc: Honorable Stephen M. Sweeney, Senate President
Honorable Craig J. Coughlin, Speaker of the General Assembly
Honorable Paul A. Sarlo, Chair -- Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
Dr. Lamont Repollet, Commissioner of Education
Honorable M. Teresa Ruiz, Chair -- Senate Education Committee
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Honorable Pamela R. Lampitt, Chair -- Assembly Education Committee
Honorable James W. Holzapfel
Honorable Gregory P. McGuckin
Honorable David W. Wolfe
Superintendent David M. Healy
Assistant Superintendent Debra L. McKenna
Assistant Superintendent James Ricotta, Jr.
Assistant Superintendent Marc A. Natanagara
Members of the Board of Education
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