---

Members of the Asbury Park Board of Education are holding a town hall-style meeting Thursday night, Jan. 9, to discuss New Jersey Senate Bill S-2 — what is it and how will it affect Asbury Park residents and schools, according to Board of Education member Giuseppe “Joe” Grillo (above). 

The meeting will take place at Trinity Church Parish Hall at 503 Asbury Avenue at 7 pm.

Senate Bill S-2  modified the state’s school funding law which has resulted in significant aid cuts in many school districts around the state, including Asbury Park’s.

Grillo said the cuts to state aid will have wide-ranging impacts on Asbury Park schools and taxpayers. 

“We noticed last year that many residents had no idea about these cuts to funding that will eliminate about $25 million from our school budget over the next five years,” said Grillo in a prepared statement. “We’re taking this first step to educate the public on these complex issues, discuss measures being taken and field their questions.”

“The S-2 bill has wide-ranging implications so it is important for all Asbury Park residents to be aware of the issues. With community engagement and collaboration, we can successfully meet the challenges ahead,” said board member Dominic Latorraca, also in prepared remarks. Latorraca is the chair of the Board Finance Committee,

Along with elected Board of Education members, Democratic Assembly members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey, or their staff, are expected to be on hand to discuss specifics of the bill, Grillo said.

—————————————————————————–

Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

---