Mercer Times

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has announced the distribution of School Regionalization Efficiency Program (SREP) grants to five school districts. These grants are designed to cover costs for feasibility studies examining potential benefits of school district regionalization or consolidation. The initiative aims at reducing costs and improving efficiency through merging districts or shared services, benefiting both students and taxpayers. This grant program was established under P.L.2021, c.402, signed by Governor Phil Murphy in January 2022.

“This funding for these studies allows our nation-leading public school districts to examine ways in which to reduce costs while maintaining the same level of academic excellence of our students,” said Acting Governor Tahesha Way. “Our Administration will continue to prioritize New Jersey school systems to ensure students excel in the classroom and achieve their academic goals.”

Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez, also Director of the Division of Local Government Services, expressed enthusiasm about the program: "We are excited that school districts are utilizing this grant funding to explore potential regionalization opportunities." She added that regionalization could lead to expanded courses and improved facilities while using taxpayer dollars efficiently.

Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer described SREP as "an outside-the-box approach" for new educational opportunities and cost savings, ultimately benefiting both students and taxpayers.

Former Mayors Jordan Glatt and Nicolas Platt highlighted the collaborative efforts between schools and communities: “Once again, we see the amazing benefits that result from schools and local communities when they take the initiative to work together."

The feasibility studies will assess various factors including enrollment, facility use, administrative staffing, class size, diversity enhancement, debt obligations, faculty needs, among others.

The following districts received SREP Grants:

- Logan Township Board of Education: $75,000

- Watchung Hills Regional High School: $135,000

- Central Regional Board of Education: $130,000

- Holland Township School: $118,000

- Wallkill Regional Board of Education: $123,900

Priority was given to those studying K-12 regionalization or countywide consolidation opportunities. The funded projects require semi-annual progress reports submitted to DLGS on their activities. Upon project completion, a final report with recommendations is expected but not mandatory for implementation.

DLGS advocates for local government interests by offering technical support in budgeting and management issues while ensuring financial integrity across local units.

For more details on SREP grants visit [NJ DCA website](https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/srep_grants.shtml).

DCA provides diverse programs such as affordable housing production and community planning among others.