Navesink and Leonardo Elementary Schools and Bayshore Middle School Will Remain Open for 2025-2026 School Year
For Immediate Release – April 3, 2025
MIDDLETOWN, NJ – Today, Mayor Tony Perry and the Middletown Township Committee presented a proposal to prevent the anticipated school closures for the 2025–2026 school year. This initiative follows the Board of Education’s approval of a tentative budget proposal on Tuesday, March 18th, which included plans to close Navesink and Leonardo elementary schools and convert Bayshore Middle School into a combined elementary school due to budgetary constraints.
The Township Committee and the Board of Education hosted a shared services meeting at Town Hall on the evening of Wednesday, April 2nd to discuss collaborative solutions. As part of this effort, the Township will restructure the agreement for the Middletown Township Police Department’s Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) III program. With the support of the Township Committee, this restructuring will provide the Board of Education with $600,000 in savings which will not compromise safety.
Additionally, the Township discussed the acquisition of a 10-acre tract located at Sleepy Hollow Road and Kings Highway East which is assessed at approximately $2 million. Middletown Township would use its Open Space Trust Fund to acquire and preserve the land, which is owned by the Middletown Township Public School District. This proposal will be presented and further discussed at the Middletown Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 8th beginning at 7:00 PM in the Middletown High School North Auditorium.
“I’m very proud that we found a practical solution to the District’s budget challenges that will keep our schools open come September,” said Mayor Tony Perry. “This solution reflects our shared commitment to providing students with the exceptional education they deserve without disruption. By working together, as well as listening to the ideas voiced by our community members, we are strengthening the future of our schools.”
“I’m grateful for the successful collaboration between the Township and District, which has led to a positive outcome for our students and families,” stated Middletown Township Public School Superintendent Dr. Jessica Alfone. “By working together, we are paving the way for a sustainable and thriving future for our students and the entire community.”
“Board leadership has worked hard and will continue to collaborate with Mayor Perry, the Township Committee, and our legislators to address our budgetary constraints,” said Middletown Township Board of Education President Frank Capone. “I want to thank Mayor Perry for the extensive discussions over the last few days that have resulted in what I believe the Board will approve as a solution for this year's budget to ensure these schools will remain open. I look forward to community participation in the strategic planning process to ensure a sustainable future for the Middletown School District.”
The press conference was livestreamed via the Township’s YouTube channel and is available to watch HERE.
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