Where is the Money Going

To the Editor – Joseph Sercia

Congratulations on your premier issue!. It is a welcome addition to the mix of available information sources and provides a unique perspective I find refreshing. I have been an Asbury Park homeowner since 2010 and it has been exciting to see Asbury Park grow and prosper over the last 15 years. I look forward to future editions!

As a home owner and taxpayer I take great pride in our community but am concerned with the ever increasing property taxes that support the Asbury Park School District. I believe in public school education, as well as paying my fair share to support our schools, but I am worried where the money is going. Enrollment is down, Federal and State Aid is shrinking and performance is dismal. Our cost per student is among the highest in the state while we are ranked at the bottom regarding measurable educational outcomes. It appears the School Board finds no way to address this other than increasing our property taxes. Despite the cap on raising the taxes, I understand the state appointed monitor recommended an additional $700,000+ on top of the cap. While I may struggle to figure out how to afford these growing tax increases, what saddens me is the students continually get the short end. Is this really the education we want to provide our children? How will this increase address providing our students with the best possible outcomes?

I was not aware that with the influx of new construction being built with tax breaks, the payments being made will only assist with city taxes but not school taxes. Asbury Park has become even more vibrant and desirable and I do not understand why these incentives are needed to attract new construction. Everyone should pay their fair share and it shouldn’t be left to some but not all.

I welcome thoughtful comments and eagerly look forward to your next edition.