Lakewood gives schools $1.2 million to save sports programs, librarians

LAKEWOOD — The remaining gap in Lakewood's school budget was closed by the township council on Thursday night.

Athletic programs and librarians were funded by the $1.2 million grant approved unanimously by the council, according to the Asbury Park Press. The news was greeted by cheers from students and staff at the meeting.

The district had announced the layoffs of 140 employees and an increase in the average class size to 50 students because of a $15 million budget shortfall. But the state Department of Education advanced the district $8.5 million “to ensure a thorough and efficient education" for the public school students of Lakewood, closing part of the gap.

The newly approved funds will go towards athletics and librarians, according to the report.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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