Parents, students and community members gathered in Middletown to protest a plan to close two elementary schools and repurpose a middle school in the district.

The Middletown Township Public School District voted last month to close Navesink Elementary School and Leonardo Elementary School. Under the plan, Bayshore Middle School would be converted into an elementary school.

Dozens of residents gathered to rally against the decision, chanting 'save our schools' and raising concerns about how the changes could affect students and families.

Some parents said they were confused by the move, pointing to comments made earlier this year about the district’s financial position.

“We’re kind of confused here as a community,” said parent Katie Littlepage. “In January of 2026, we were told at a public Board of Education meeting that our community schools are valued and that we were in a good financial position. Then the very next month we were surprised.”

Last year, the district proposed a tax increase that officials said would help address financial challenges and prevent school closures. Some parents at the rally said they now feel misled.

“So we are paying more taxes for no plan and the same solution,” one parent said.

Students also attended the rally, saying they were upset.

“It’s just horrible. I really can't believe this is happening,” Daniel Cardone, a student at Bayshore Middle School said. “With the tax increase last year, this wasn’t supposed to happen.”

Parents said they are also worried about how the changes could affect younger students, including questions about classroom space and playground areas if schools are consolidated.

Some residents also raised concerns about how the plan could affect different neighborhoods in the township.

Several parents have filed an appeal with the state in an effort to prevent the closures, citing concerns about overcrowding and safety.

Parents at the rally said they plan to continue pushing district leaders to reconsider the decision.