Golden Anniversary Celebrations Planned For Morris School District

MORRISTOWN, NJ — With the start of the 2022-2023 school year, the Morris School District and the Morris Educational Foundation (MEF) invite the community to celebrate the district's 50-year history.

The Morris School District is New Jersey's only school district established by court order, requiring the merger of Morristown and Morris Township schools in order to promote racial integration.

Jenkins v. Twp. of Morris School Dist. and Board of Ed. was decided on June 25, 1971, and the newly formed Morris School District formally opened its doors on Sept. 7, 1972.

MSD was dubbed "The Lighthouse" after the court order was issued in order to serve as a beacon for other communities. Since that time, the district has embarked on a historic journey to unite the Morristown community and impact local students for future generations.

“We are proud that the Morris School District has the unique distinction of being the only district in New Jersey to have been merged for the purpose of racial integration," said Morris School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas Ficarra.

The MSD will hold four celebratory events over the next week that are open to everyone to attend in order to help kick off the festivities and reflect on the district's history.

• Hosted at the Morristown & Morris Township Library, The Lighthouse exhibit explores the MSD merger, how the district implemented changes and its impact on students, residents and the community.

• Join student-led tours of Morristown High School from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. featuring the historic merger. Pre-registration required.

• Cheer Morristown High School as they take on Randolph at 2:30 p.m.

• Visit the booth from noon- 5:00 p.m. to learn more about the Morris School District and the Morris Educational Foundation.

"Throughout these 50 years, the District has worked to maintain and support diversity, equity and inclusion in our schools as we are deeply committed to protecting and perpetuating the unique legacy of the District. We look forward to commemorating this landmark decision with community events the weekend of October 1," Ficarra said.

Stephen B. Wiley, lead counsel in the MSD merger, founded the Morris Educational Foundation (MEF) in 1992 to generate and distribute resources to support and enhance MSD schools. For the past 30 years, this partnership has enabled the school district to remain a model of visionary social and educational leadership in New Jersey and across the country.

“Our partnership – between the MSD and the MEF – created a legacy that endures today as we continue to collaborate and respond to the emerging needs of our students, teachers and families in the post-pandemic landscape,” said Joelle Servais, Morris Educational Foundation executive director.

For more information on the 50th Anniversary Celebration and event updates, visit the Morris School District on Facebook and the Morris Educational Foundation on Facebook and Instagram.