New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the nation — much of which goes to local schools. Yet districts are increasingly facing financial crises.

We saw it this week in places like Montclair. Its average property tax bill is $22,000, but the board just voted to close a middle school. The superintendent is blaming past administrators for a $20 million deficit. One hundred fifty people have lost their jobs.

In Middletown, residents recently absorbed a 10% tax increase. Many said they were willing to pay more to save their schools. But now the district is closing two elementary schools and converting a middle school into an elementary school.

News 12 could not get a single board member to speak with us on camera. State Sen. Vin Gopal, who chairs the Education Committee, joined the show to discuss the issue.