Middle Township School District Faces Budget Struggles Amid State Aid Cuts

Middle Township, NJ – The Middle Township School District in Southern New Jersey is grappling with significant budget shortfalls following a series of state aid cuts. Over the past two years, the district has seen a total loss of $957,167 in state funding, exacerbating challenges in an already strained budget. The district’s efforts to secure additional funding via a tax levy were rejected by 66% of voters in 2024, further complicating the financial outlook. David Salvo, who has served as the district’s superintendent for 11 years, is retiring this summer, and Stephanie DeRose will take over the role starting July 1st. DeRose, a seasoned educator with nearly 20 years of experience, previously worked in the Millville School District, where she held various leadership roles. She has a deep understanding of the challenges South Jersey school districts face, including the ongoing inequities in state education funding. Middle Township, located in Cape May County, already allocates over 50% of its municipal taxes to the school district, a significant portion given the financial strain. DeRose will take on the task of navigating these budgetary obstacles while working to ensure the future success of the district.