LEONARDO, N.J. — The Middletown Township Public School District has announced it will not move forward with previously considered school closures for the 2025–2026 academic year, following a revised proposal involving a tax levy increase, limited staffing reductions, and property sale agreements.
Key Points
- Middletown schools will not close any buildings for the 2025–2026 school year.
- District plan includes a 5.88% tax levy increase, staffing adjustments, and property sale.
- A strategic planning process involving community input will begin in late May.
In a letter issued Wednesday, Superintendent Jessica Alfone stated that the Board of Education, township administration, and local officials had agreed on a “collaborative effort to prevent the school closures,” opting instead for a plan aimed at long-term financial stability and continued high-quality education.
The new proposal includes a school tax levy increase of 5.88%, moderate staffing reductions that do not impact classroom teachers, a shared services agreement with the township for class-three officers, and the sale of the district’s King’s Highway property to the township for open space.
Previously, Alfone said there was a possibility that the district could raise taxes up to 10% through a tax incentive loophole.
“Under the new tax incentive program, the (Middletown) district is eligible to generate up to an additional $8,372,956, or 5.2%, in revenue through local taxes,” she wrote in a letter last month, explaining how the district could raise taxes with the 5.88% levy and the 5.2% incentive program for a 10% total tax increase.
“This revised plan…demonstrates a willingness of all stakeholders to collaborate in the best interests of the students, staff members, families, and residents of the township,” Alfone wrote.
Instead of school closures, the district will now begin a broader strategic planning process, led by an outside consultant, to assess future steps for the district’s sustainability. The effort will involve input from students, families, staff, and community members.
The Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the proposed tax increase during a special meeting on April 8 and will vote on the final budget on April 30. With no closures on the agenda, the district also announced the cancellation of previously scheduled forums on April 9 and 10.
Superintendent Alfone expressed appreciation to Mayor Perry, the Township Committee, and the community for their engagement during the planning process. The strategic planning initiative is set to begin in late May.