A plan to close multiple schools in the Middletown School District has been put on hold as officials struggle to balance the budget and finalize a long‑term plan.

Leonardo Elementary School, Navesink Elementary School and Bayshore Middle School are now expected to remain open this September and into the next school year.

The shift follows a letter sent to parents from the Board of Education president stating the board failed to complete a long‑range plan in time to move forward with the closures for the 2026–2027 school year.

According to the letter, the board is now recommending the district not implement the planned school closings and consolidations for that school year.

The district, like many others across the state, is facing a significant financial shortfall.

Even after a 10% property tax increase last year, Middletown schools are still facing an estimated $3.2 million deficit.

Earlier, school board officials, including the superintendent, voted to shut down the three schools despite opposition from many parents in the district.