Barnegat School Reconfiguration No Longer Taking Effect In 2019

BARNEGAT, N.J. — The Barnegat Township School District's reconfiguration plan will not be implemented this year, according to Superintendent Brian Latwis. He cited surveys expressing concerns about the timing as reason to delay the implementation from the proposed date of September 2019.

Latwis said in a note to parents and staff that he reviewed parent feedback and exit tickets from March 14's informational session about reconfiguration. The plan would have resulted in the four elementary schools housing two grades rather than continuing as K-5 buildings.

Read more: Barnegat School Redistricting Plan Causing Parental Concerns

"While we see many benefits from the proposed reconfiguration, the support it provides, and the expansion of programs to benefit all students, we also place high value on all stakeholders' feelings and requests," Latwis said in the letter.

Community members can still join the District Improvement Panel to get more involved with problem-solving, implementation-planning and reviewing the process in more detail. Contact onebarnegat@barnegatschools.com to request to join.

"During these panel meetings, we will discuss advantages and concerns openly, transparently, and together," Latwis said. "It is my sincere hope that we can move forward as one and address the very real challenges with creative, courageous and effective solutions."

Parental concerns included children's potential stress of switching schools every two years, as well as unknown transportation costs, according to an online petition called "SAY NO TO THE REDISTRICTING OF THE BARNEGAT SCHOOL SYSTEM." The petition has nearly 1,000 supporters.

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