Board to pursue feasibility study after incomplete Mountain Lakes cost data; current students to remain at Mountain Lakes this fall

The board discussed outstanding information about high-school placement and agreed the next prudent step is a formal feasibility study to evaluate high-school options.

“The next prudent step is to conduct a feasibility study, which is where a consultant reviews and evaluates the feasibility of any and all school districts which are viable options for our children to attend high school,” the chair said, adding the board had only recently received the last of the requested data and had not had time for a full review.

The chair told the board that the missing information is limited to Marsh Academy School of Technology/Biotech Academy enrollment and the per‑pupil cost data from Mountain Lakes High School. Board members said they will meet with Mountain Lakes representatives to discuss solutions and the chair emphasized that current students will continue at Mountain Lakes this fall: “You should know that our eighth graders are going to Mount Lakes High School this fall, and all students who are currently attending can continue doing so.”

Board members framed the feasibility study as a mechanism to either confirm the district’s existing arrangement or identify better options. No final decision on long‑term placement was made at the meeting; board members directed staff to schedule meetings with Mountain Lakes representatives and to scope a feasibility study.

Why it matters: the outcome could change where district students attend high school and affect tuition obligations, transportation and long‑term budget planning. Members noted they are still responsible for charges related to a recent referendum even though it failed, highlighting the fiscal pressures behind examining options.

Next steps: the board expects to meet with Mountain Lakes representatives and to scope or procure a feasibility study; no timeline or consultant details were set at the meeting.