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Ocean Township board discusses idea to shrink elected board from nine to seven members
Summary
Board President McCarthy introduced a conceptual proposal to reduce the elected board from nine to seven members to increase electoral competition and efficiency; trustees asked for data, legal guidance and public input before considering any formal change. No motion or vote occurred.
At the work session President McCarthy raised a conceptual proposal to consider reducing the size of the Township of Ocean School District board from nine members to seven, saying the idea could increase competition for seats and improve efficiency.
"I've had 0 research on this," McCarthy said, telling trustees he had not consulted an attorney and was presenting the idea only to gauge appetite. He suggested any change would likely require legal review, consultation with the county clerk and phased implementation if the board chose to pursue it.
Board members asked for comparative data from other New Jersey school districts on board size relative to student population, regional arrangements, and election patterns. Missus Dan asked about per-capita precedent; others emphasized training and time commitments for trustees and warned that a smaller board could make achieving quorums more difficult if members are absent.
Members said they would like staff or counsel to provide options and precedent and suggested the board could hold a public discussion before moving toward any formal policy or ordinance change. No action was taken during the work session.
