As the district faces a large deficit, the mayor of Middletown, New Jersey has announced a proposal that would keep schools open and prevent cuts to on-site school safety officers.

The move comes after Middletown Schools Superintendent Jessica Alfone threatened to close two elementary schools and a middle school, causing major concern throughout the community. The tentative proposal announced on March 18 included closing Navasink and Leonardo elementary schools and convert Bayshore Middle School into a combined elementary school due to a $10 million school district deficit. Bayshore kids would be consolidated into other middle schools. 

Parents said they felt blindsided, especially since Navasink is one of the highest-performing schools in the state. 

New plan would save the schools

The first part of the plan entails acquiring a 10-acre plot of land, valued at about $2 million, which is expected to bring additional revenue to the town without raising taxes. The second part would have the town absorb costs to keep school safety officers in each building, which would save the district $600,000. 

"Together, these two actions would provide the district with $2.6 million in support. Funding that would support the district and keep these schools open," Mayor Tony Perry said. "We've made sure to protect the quality of our education and the interest of our taxpayers." 

Perry's proposal also includes cutting an estimated 40 administrative and duplicate positions, district-wide. Teachers would keep their jobs. 

"To me, this checks every box for everyone involved and allows us to turn the page and move forward and figure out how we could work together for the future," said parent Jenny Cox, of the group Save Middletown Schools. 

"I am grateful for the collaboration between the township and the school district, which has led to a positive outcome for our students and families. By working together, we are paving the way for a sustainable and thriving future for both our students and the entire school community." Alfone said.

"I feel relieved," parent Kristin Rooney said. "It feels like a year, but it's been 16 days."

Cox is cautiously optimistic, since it's only a proposal. She has three kids in the district, in fifth grade and younger. 

"This is like life for us, and it's their safe, happy place," Cox said. 

The Middletown Board of Education is set to vote on the proposal next Tuesday night.