Freeholder delivers civics lesson

Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow

What is a freeholder? That's a question members of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders get asked all the time.

To answer that question, Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow went back to school to teach civics to the fourth-grade class at Wayside Elementary School in Ocean Township, using a presentation geared for young children that highlights who the freeholders are, the responsibilities they have to county residents and the many services county government provides.

McMorrow, a former teacher and principal in Howell, said students are usually amazed to learn that the board is an elected body that oversees the delivery of a whole range of services that towns couldn't afford on their own.

"When I was asked to speak with a fourth-grade class, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to teach them about their county government," she continued.

The presentation, titled "What Is a Freeholder?," began with some basic facts about Monmouth County, such as population and square miles, and shows how the county government provides parks to play in, schools in which to learn, transportation for the elderly, libraries, police and firefighter training, snow plowing, bridge repair and maintenance, and many other services.

"The children come away knowing that there are five freeholders who are elected to oversee the delivery of these services," McMorrow said.

The children were enthusiastic, asked many questions and the program was well received.

"It was great to get back into the classroom again," she said.