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Stanhope board votes to join state regionalization study; Netcong to lead application
Summary
The Stanhope Board of Education voted to participate in the New Jersey School Regionalization Efficiency Program study, with Netcong serving as lead to submit an application to the Division of Local Government Services; the resolution passed 5–1–1.
The Stanhope Board of Education voted Aug. 28 to participate in the New Jersey School Regionalization Efficiency Program (SREP) feasibility study, with the Netcong School District designated to serve as the lead applicant to the Division of Local Government Services.
Board President Mattia Scharfstein introduced background materials and a sample community notice; the formal resolution to accept SREP participation was moved by Carmen Pico and seconded by Jennifer Herold. The motion passed on roll call for the SREP resolution with five votes in favor, one opposed and one abstention.
Why it matters: the SREP grant funds feasibility studies that examine whether consolidating or expanding regional school districts can yield educational or financial efficiencies. The motion and accompanying explanation to the public emphasize that this step is a study only: no consolidation decision was made or approved at this meeting.
What the board approved and what comes next: the resolution authorizes the Netcong School District to lead the application to DLGS for grant funding to support a regionalization feasibility study involving Lenape Regional, Byram, Netcong and Stanhope. The board also approved related administrative items for the district in the same motion. Netcong will submit the application and any public notification about the study will be coordinated with Stanhope leadership; Scharfstein said the board shared a sample letter from Netcong for community outreach planning.
Board discussion and procedure: the regionalization topic appeared in the Board President’s report and was placed on the agenda as a formal resolution. Public comment periods on agenda and non‑agenda items produced no public speakers regarding the regionalization motion. Board members requested committee-level follow-up on how community communication and next steps will proceed.
Next step: Netcong will submit the SREP application to the Division of Local Government Services; any formal consolidation or structural change would require additional studies, public notices and separate board approvals.
