Howell residents must make feelings known to FRHSD administrators

The Freehold Regional High School District is in the process of redistricting to balance enrollment among the six high schools. In the past, Howell residents have not let the high school district know how we feel about this issue. We now have an opportunity to do so.

On April 30, a meeting is being held at Howell High School from 7-9 p.m. I urge you to take this opportunity to let our Board of Education representatives and the superintendent of the FRHSD know what Howell residents want for their children.

Howell students are currently districted to three different high schools. We are the only town in the high school district in this situation. I believe that Howell residents have accepted this situation because we realize that our student population cannot be accommodated in one school.

We also understand that overcrowded schools are not conducive to a quality education. A regional approach offers our students the opportunity to maximize their academic experience.

However, there are some towns in the high school district that are in a similar situation to Howell’s when we were first redistricted. Their student population exceeds the capacity of the school located in their town.

These towns continue to insist that all of their students remain within their township borders. That attitude is just not fiscally responsible when we have hundreds of extra seats available in other schools.

This is a regional district and as such, students should attend the closest school to their residence that has the capacity for them.

Howell residents must let the FRHSD know that we will not tolerate different rules for some towns.

In addition, we must let the district know that when the regional student population exceeds the regional capacity, Howell is the most appropriate place for another school. If the towns that refuse to accept redistricting are allowed to have their way, Howell will not be a priority when another school is needed.

Silence is acceptance when it comes to redistricting. We need to let the other towns in this district know we are just as concerned about our children’s education as they are. It is time for Howell to insist on equal treatment of all students. It is unfair to expect the same neighborhoods to accept redistricting over and over again while other communities are never redistricted.

Please come to the meeting at Howell High School on April 30 at 7 p.m. and let your voices be heard.

Jeanette Smith

Howell