During the 9/26/2023 Regionalization Special Election, our local three Boards of Education [Highlands Elementary, Atlantic Highlands Elementary and Henry Hudson Regional School] told the public:

  • Step 1 = Regionalize the three districts into one, then
  • Step 2 = Bring in Sea Bright

What they did not tell you is:

  • In June of 2024, all three Boards and the transitional board signed an agreement with Oceanport and Shore Regional to never allow Sea Bright into our school district. You can read it here: https://bit.ly/6BoardsAgreement6-27-24
  • Also in June of 2024, all three Boards and the transitional board gave the Superintendent a $1 million, 5-year contract from 2024 to 2029, even through her contract was not yet expired.
  • The funding formula we currently use is in favor of Atlantic Highlands over Highlands. We send 40% of the kids but pay 50% of the cost.
  • Highlands Elementary brought $3 million more than Atlantic Highlands Elementary to the new District in terms of cash and other assets like land, buildings and equipment.
  • Highlands Elementary Reserves had $1.5 million of Highlands’ Taxpayer money that is being allocated not for education, but for turning their current field into a softball field to be used by the Middle and High Schools.

Highlands’ Kids and the Taxpayers deserve better.