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As Mayor and someone who raised two sons who received their primary and secondary education here in Monroe Township, I believe that investing in our schools is an investment in our future.
That is why, two years ago, I stepped forward to support critical repairs at Applegarth School, ensuring that millions of dollars in state funding would not be lost and that our students continue to learn in a safe and healthy environment.
When presented with the request to provide a $5 million matching grant to ensure critical repairs were undertaken at a facility serving nearly 500 students, the decision was clear.
I committed to a shared services agreement in partnership with the Board of Education to ensure millions of dollars of state educational capital grant dollars were not returned to the state and given out elsewhere.
Fast forward two years, and I am thrilled to be celebrating the hard work that led to a new and improved Applegarth School. This is a wonderful milestone for Monroe Township and Monroe Township School District.
Working collaboratively with the Monroe Township Board of Education reflects our mutual commitment to doing what is best for our children while maintaining responsibility to our taxpayers. By working together, we secured vital state resources and addressed infrastructure needs that had been delayed for decades.
That same spirit of commitment and advocacy helped the school district successfully initiate one of the most important educational initiatives for the younger families in Monroe, Full Day Kindergarten.
For years, parents, educators and community members voiced the need for a full-day program that gives every child the strongest possible start.
I am proud that through collaboration, persistence and responsible planning, the Board of Education was able to move this educational necessity forward and ultimately achieve this added service to our community.
My administration remains committed to supporting all our residents, from our students and parents to our seniors and grandparents. I applaud and congratulate the Monroe Township School District on this achievement and wish them much success as they roll out the new Full Day Kindergarten program.
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