Rochelle Park board says leaving Hackensack High School would be lengthy, costly process; no decision made

The Rochelle Park Board of Education heard resident concerns Sept. 24 about the district’s long-term high-school placement and confirmed that any effort to end the send-and-receive relationship with Hackensack High School would be a formal, multiyear process requiring New Jersey Department of Education approval.

Resident Mr. DeFranco asked the board whether it intends to leave Hackensack High School. Superintendent Dr. Sue DeNobile answered that the district’s current arrangement is a send-and-receive agreement requiring NJDOE review. "If a district wants to separate from that school you have to do a feasibility agreement," she said, adding the process is "lengthy" and carries no guarantee of approval. She estimated the upfront cost at "around one hundred thousand dollars" and said the timetable can be long — "it takes a year and a half just to get started three years in total."

Dr. DeNobile said the board has not yet decided to pursue separation and that, if it does, the district would provide extensive information to the public and hold informational meetings. Board member Christina Holz added that "if we do go ahead there will be a resolution on the agenda," signaling that any formal step would come with clear public notice.

Board members and administrators also explained that even if the district sought separation, the NJDOE would determine allowable receiving districts and that the process requires professional services and financial investment by the district. The board’s comments emphasized that no action has been taken and that the matter remains in the discussion stage.

The board did not vote on any change to the send-and-receive agreement at the Sept. 24 meeting; DeNobile said any petition would be preceded by feasibility work, public meetings and a formal resolution.