The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has announced the awarding of School Regionalization Efficiency Program (SREP) grants to five school districts. These grants aim to offset costs associated with conducting feasibility studies that explore the potential advantages of school district regionalization or consolidation. The initiative, established by P.L.2021, c.402 and signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy in January 2022, seeks to identify cost savings and efficiencies through merging school districts or implementing shared services agreements.
“This funding for these studies allows our nation-leading public school districts to examine ways in which to reduce costs while maintaining the same level of academic excellence of our students,” said Acting Governor Tahesha Way. “Our Administration will continue to prioritize New Jersey school systems to ensure students excel in the classroom and achieve their academic goals.”
"We are excited that school districts are utilizing this grant funding to explore potential regionalization opportunities," said Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez, who also serves as Director of the Division of Local Government Services. "New Jersey public schools are ranked among the best in the nation due to their consistent and innovative delivery of high-quality academic resources and services to students. Regionalization can pave the way for new and expanded courses, extracurricular programs, and enhanced facilities, all while making efficient use of taxpayer dollars."
"The School Regionalization Efficiency Program (SREP) is an outside-the-box approach to providing new educational opportunities in our schools as well as developing innovative ways to achieve cost savings and efficiencies, ultimately benefiting both students and taxpayers,” said Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer.
Former Mayors Jordan Glatt and Nicolas Platt, appointed by Governor Murphy in a bipartisan effort in 2018 as Shared Services Czars, added: “Once again, we see the amazing benefits that result from schools and local communities when they take the initiative to work together."
The feasibility studies will evaluate factors such as enrollment, facility utilization, existing send/receive relationships, administrative staffing, class size, diversity enhancement, debt and contractual obligations, faculty needs and attrition.
The following school districts received SREP Grants:
- Logan Township Board of Education: $75,000
- Watchung Hills Regional High School: $135,000
- Central Regional Board of Education: $130,000
- Holland Township School: $118,000
- Wallkill Regional Board of Education: $123,900
Priority was given to districts studying K-12 regionalization and countywide consolidation. Funding can cover preliminary approval for forming all-purpose regional districts or countywide districts; newly proposed feasibility studies; previously conducted studies completed within two years prior to June 29, 2021.
Feasibility studies must advance enhanced learning environments; coordinate curriculum across schools; reflect potential efficiency improvements; consolidate geographically proximate districts; make good faith efforts on recommendations; and not exacerbate segregation by race or socioeconomic status.
School districts must provide DLGS with semi-annual progress reports on their feasibility study projects. Grant funding is provided on a reimbursement basis. At project conclusion, districts must submit final reports with recommendations and implementation plans but are not obligated to follow through with service sharing agreements.
DLGS advocates for local government interests by providing technical and financial assistance in budgeting, financial reporting, joint services management issues. It oversees financial integrity for local government units including municipal budgets.
For more information on the School Regionalization Efficiency Program visit https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/srep_grants.shtml.
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