Watchung Hills Agrees To Participate In Regionalization Study

WARREN, NJ — Watchung Hills Regional High School has agreed to participate in the regionalization feasibility study to see what the benefits and drawbacks would be to the community.

"What we are considering at the high school is facts and there are two main reasons to consider regionalization and they are increased educational benefits to our students and potential savings to our taxpayers. That's it. That simple," said Warren resident and Watchung Hills Regional High School Board Member Robert Morrison who spoke during last week's township committee.

Morrison spoke to address some rumors and clarify why the school district is moving forward with the study.

"To be clear the Watchung Hills Regional High School District has NOT stated that we support the regionalization of school districts. We lack the information to even consider making such a suggestion. What the board has stated is that we support the concept of collaborating with our semi-districts to conduct a feasibility study since the state is now willing to pay for it. That study creates no obligation on the district other than participating in the study," said Morrison.

Recently the state Senate and Assembly have both approved legislation, S-3488, to help start the process of creating K-12 regional and countywide school districts in an effort to improve educational quality and efficiency. Read More: NJ Advances School Consolidation Plan: Here's What This Means

"It's reasonable that our community members should expect board members to be interested in exploring all options that may lead to increased educational success of our students and consider ways to lessen the tax burden on our citizens. A regionalization study will allow us to explore both of those items," said Morrison.

Morrison noted that currently 65 percent of a Warren Township's tax bill comes from the school district.

"I like the idea that you are looking into it. You are not closed minded. You are looking at the possibility of some type of open mind of what could be better for Warren Township — not just for the students but as well as the taxpayers because you're right, 65 percent is a lot of money," said Warren Committeeman Gary Dinardo.

Deputy Mayor Victor Sordillo noted that he was involved in a similar study for police consolidation 12 years ago.

"It would've saved money but if we were out primarily to save money we wouldn't be living in New Jersey, we wouldn't be living in Warren. You lose community. What we found out is you lose community, culture, quality," said Sordillo.

The WHRHS will submit their application to participate in the state's study this week. The study will cost $150,000, which the state is funding.

Morrison noted that Green Brook and Warren school districts have each appointed their own committees to look into this and should be passing a resolution to cooperate. Read More: Warren Schools Discuss Regionalization, Consolidation Study

Long Hill and Watchung both said they wouldn't participate but will cooperate in WHRHS' study.

Morrison said the study will be discussed openly for the public at every upcoming WHRHS board meeting.

"Right now we don't have any information and this is all about getting that information. Let's get it in a time that the state has agreed to pay for it with incentives involved and it is a priority for them," said Morrison. "Then put everything on the table and we can have a robust discussion on what makes the most sense for our community… and one of those options may be nothing."

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