Ocean County College
Dr. Larson spoke about the challenge of student debt and thanked the mayors for their scholarship program. Scholarships, he said, are increasingly important for many students. He also pointed out that while the cost of higher education has risen sharply, it is still possible to study for two years at Ocean County College, then two years at Kean University, and receive a degree for a tuition total of approximately $30,000 — far less than at many schools.
Sandy Broughton, executive director of the Ocean County College Foundation thanked the mayors for their $5,000 gift (see below) and urged continued community support for the foundation’s work.
Stan Hales, program director for the Barnegat Bay Partnership briefed the mayors on the state of the bay, noting that unexplained instances of flooding are being looked into and that ocean water temperatures on the continental shelf are higher than in the past. Nevertheless he expects a good summer season on the bay. The Barnegat Bay Partnership, he said, lost 15% of its federal funding in the Sequester.
From left to right, OC Mayors’ Association Treasurer Art Petracco; , Vice President Vincent Barella; South Toms River Mayor Joseph Champagne; Mayors’ Association President Steve Acropolis; Sandy Broughton, Dr. Larson, and Mayors’ Association Secretary William Curtis.
The Ocean County Mayors’ Association has been found tax exempt by the IRS. Donations are deductible. Documentation of this determination and related financial disclosure documents are available for public examination. The Ocean County Mayors’ Association has been found tax exempt by the IRS. Donations are deductible. Documentation of this determination and related financial disclosure documents are available for public examination.