The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has announced that its Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) is now accepting applications for the School Regionalization Efficiency Program (SREP). This grant program supports public school districts and eligible governing bodies in conducting feasibility studies on potential mergers. The aim is to assess if such mergers could lead to cost savings or other benefits for students and taxpayers.
DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez stated, "School regionalization in New Jersey is moving forward, with more and more districts taking advantage of the School Regionalization Efficiency Program grants offered through the Division of Local Government Services." She emphasized that these grants provide an opportunity for districts to explore regionalization outcomes that could enhance education while ensuring taxpayer savings.
Acting Department of Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer added, "The School Regionalization Efficiency Program offers a valuable opportunity for districts to consider how regionalization can strengthen and expand educational offerings for their students." He highlighted the potential improvements in school operations and resources available to students through regionalization.
Eligible applicants include boards of education from various types of school districts, as well as governing bodies without a board of education. Funding is available for K-12 regionalization and countywide school district consolidation studies across three project types: preliminary approval feasibility studies, newly proposed feasibility studies, and previously conducted feasibility studies completed within two years prior to June 29, 2021.
Feasibility study projects must meet criteria such as enrollment, facility utilization, administrative staffing, class size, diversity enhancement, and other factors. The funding may cover up to 100 percent of study costs based on application quality and outcome. Completed studies may lead to service sharing agreements between districts but are not mandatory.
Applications should be submitted via the DCA SAGE Portal due to funding availability in the FY 2025 state budget appropriation. Further details are available on the DCA website or by contacting DLGS via email.
DLGS advocates for local government interests by providing technical and financial assistance in various areas including budgeting and management issues. It ensures financial integrity across local government units and oversees municipal budgets among other responsibilities.
DCA provides numerous programs related to local government management, affordable housing production, fire safety, community planning, disaster recovery, historic preservation, and information privacy.
