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Pequannock vows to fight to keep Allied Health share‑time program after Vo‑Tech termination notice
Summary
District staff reported a formal notice from Morris County Vo‑Tech to terminate the Allied Health share‑time agreement at the end of its four‑year term. District officials said current juniors and full‑time students will not be affected and outlined steps to continue the program independently and seek partners.
Pequannock administrators told the school board on Dec. 15 that Morris County Vo‑Tech has provided a formal notice of intent to terminate the Allied Health ShareTime Academy agreement at the end of the current contract cycle.
Dr. Portis said the district received formal notification and has already begun outreach to regional partners and neighboring districts to explore continuing the program independently. "We are planning to continue moving forward with the program, independent of Morris County Vo‑Tech," Portis said, noting the district’s ties with Atlantic Health and Chilton for clinical shadowing and the program’s strong academic outcomes, including students leaving with college credits.
Portis emphasized protections for students currently enrolled: "This won't affect the juniors that are currently in the program," he said, adding that full‑time students from Lincoln Park and Pequannock would not be impacted. He also reported high demand: the district received what he believed to be the most full‑time applicants ever — about 40 applicants this year.
District staff described steps under consideration: attending the Vo‑Tech board meeting, engaging county superintendents, sharing transportation breakdowns to help districts collapse routes, and developing alternative program tracks (one aligned with traditional medical pathways and another aimed at direct‑to‑work credentials).
Board members expressed support and said the district would continue to update trustees as negotiations and outreach proceed. No formal vote was required that evening; administrators pledged continued effort on behalf of students and staff.
