State Receives (and Approves) Fewer Requests to Exceed Tax Cap

Budget Watch: Revenue Fizzling

Budget 2009-2010: NJSBA to Host Webcast April 14

NJSBA Board Charts New Course for Headquarters Project

Districts Notified of Pension Deferral, Aid Reductions

State Launches Personalized Learning Plans

School Choice Program Up for Reauthorization

Accountability Regs: Survey Measures Financial Impact

Ethics/Financial Disclosure Forms are Due April 30

Court Bars Withdrawal from Regionals

Voter Registration Defect did not Disqualify Candidate

Two New Jersey Districts Win National Honors

A Dialogue with Eighth Graders

NJSBA Officials Join Middlesex SBA at Student Recognition Event

NJSBA Delegate Assembly Handbook Mailing

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Court Bars Withdrawal from Regionals

In two decisions issued last week, the Appellate Division of Superior Court denied attempts to withdraw from a regional school district, saying the financial burden of withdrawing would interfere with the districts’ ability to provide the appropriate level of education.

In one case, the Borough of Oradell in Bergen County petitioned to hold a referendum to withdraw from the River Dell Regional High School District. In Warren County, meanwhile, the Township of Liberty also sought to withdraw from the Great Meadows Regional School District.

The cases went before the state Board of Review, which consists of four high-level state officials. The Board of Review denied both petitions, and last week’s rulings by the Appellate Division affirmed the board’s decision.

The River Dell Regional High School District consists of two constituent elementary districts: Oradell and River Edge. Oradell’s withdrawal would result in the dissolution of the regional school district. The Board of Review determined that the dissolution would result in an excessive debt burden for River Edge, and would require additional high school administration and more teachers – which would prevent either school district from providing a thorough and efficient education without excessive costs.

The Great Meadows Regional School District consists of the constituent school districts of Liberty and Independence. Liberty’s withdrawal would result in the dissolution of the regional school district. The Board of Review’s findings in the Great Meadows case were similar to the River Dell decision, in that a dissolution would create an excessive debt burden on Liberty and would prevent the ability of both districts to maintain a thorough and efficient education without excessive costs. Additional administrative staff and teachers would be needed and programs would be eliminated in Liberty, while the remaining school district in Independence would be underutilized.

The Board of Review includes the education commissioner, a member of the State Board of Education, the State Treasurer or his designee, and the director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs.

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