Schools

These NJ School Districts Could Merge Under New Proposal: Report

Consolidating this county's school districts into a single, regional district would save county taxpayers millions, according to a study.

School officials in Salem County, New Jersey, are considering a proposal that could combine the county's existing school districts into one or two regional districts, according to a report.
School officials in Salem County, New Jersey, are considering a proposal that could combine the county's existing school districts into one or two regional districts, according to a report. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

SALEM COUNTY, NJ — Salem County school officials are considering a proposal that could combine the county's existing school districts into one or two regional districts, according to a report.

The proposal is part of a feasibility study coordinated by Salem Community College, NJ.com reported. According to the study, consolidating the county's 13 school districts and one charter school into a single, regional district would save Salem County taxpayers about $6.8 million annually. Splitting the districts into two regional districts would lead to $4.8 million in savings.

The unification of districts could also have educational advantages, NJ.com reported, citing the study's authors. Advantages include improving the quality of education, creating a career pipeline and increasing equity.

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A public vote would be required in each Salem County community for the proposal to move forward. Read more via NJ.com.

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