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Superintendent proposes delayed opening for Feb. 5 primary as Lake Drive enrollment rises
Summary
Mountain Lakes Superintendent Dr. Siegel reported Lake Drive enrollment near 121–124 and proposed a delayed opening on Feb. 5 primary to reduce security and traffic risks at school polling sites; the district requested the borough consider relocating elections and will await a response.
Superintendent Dr. Siegel told the Mountain Lakes Board of Education on Jan. 12 that Lake Drive program enrollment has risen substantially — to about 121–124 students — and that the district is proposing a delayed opening on Feb. 5 for the primary election to reduce traffic and security overlap with voters.
"We are proposing a delayed opening. That is the highest traffic period, both literally traffic and also people coming in to vote between 6 and 9 a.m.," Dr. Siegel said, explaining the district's security and staff development rationale. He emphasized the change would not alter the number of school days but would shift the start time on that single date.
Dr. Siegel said the district formally asked the borough manager to consider moving polling out of school buildings; the borough manager indicated a response within the 45‑day window and the town will provide additional security coverage for Feb. 5. Board members discussed alternatives used by other districts, including virtual instruction requests for emergency days, but noted New Jersey Department of Education rules limit virtual day approvals.
Board members also heard that a number of Lake Drive students are seniors, which will affect planning, and that the enrollment trend will be reflected in the business administrator's upcoming budget review. The superintendent said the delayed opening also creates a staff development opportunity on that date.
Next steps: the board will await the borough's response and the superintendent will report back as scheduling or Department of Education guidance develops.
