My Open Letter to Mayor Cannon

Dear Mayor Cannon and Township Council,

I am sure many of you have seen by now that the Old Bridge Democratic County Committee sent an open letter to Governor Mikie Sherrill calling on her to re-evaluate the state’s school funding formula—a formula that has placed an increasing burden on Aberdeen families for years now.

This is not partisan issue. It is a growing bipartisan concern that directly affects the resources available to the students, teachers, and employees of MARSD.

I recognize that students and educators in lower socio-economic communities often require additional resources and support. However, we also must acknowledge when a funding system becomes unsustainable for the communities that are being asked to shoulder an ever-increasing share of those costs. I believe we are approaching a tipping point.

Across Monmouth County and neighboring counties, we are seeing school closures, staffing reductions, cuts to extracurricular activities, and fewer resources for students.

Local taxpayers are being put in an impossible position: raise taxes again or accept cuts that can negatively affect our children’s education.

That is not a sustainable choice—and it should not be the choice forced upon Aberdeen.

Albeit, this may be a symbolic gesture, it would show the good people of Aberdeen that leadership in our town is not afraid to stand up to the Governor or leaders in Trenton.

This should not be about party politics. It should be about standing up for our students, protecting our schools, and making sure Aberdeen families are not continually asked to pay more for less.

I am calling on the Aberdeen Township Council and Mayor to join Old Bridge—and, hopefully, other neighboring municipalities—in formally asking Governor Sherrill to address this issue and reform a funding formula that is placing an unfair and growing burden on local taxpayers.

Best,

Matthew Braithwaite