Jackson school district votes to close mcauliffe middle school, consolidate high schools

JACKSON, N.J. — The Jackson School District has voted to close McAuliffe Middle School and consolidate high school students at Jackson Liberty High School, marking another major shift following last year’s sale of Rosenauer Elementary.

McAuliffe Middle School, a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon institution named after astronaut Christa McAuliffe, will close after the board initially considered shutting down Goetz Middle School.

However, a deed restriction prevented the district from selling Goetz, as the property would have to be returned to the original owner at no cost. That last minute update was reported at the meeting as the board modified the agenda to reflect the finding.

The board also voted to consolidate all high school students at Jackson Liberty High School, phasing out Jackson Memorial High School. Longtime Jackson Memorial teacher, administrator, and football coach Michael Walsh cast the swing vote among board members who were tied 3-3.

The vote for the district’s consolidation and redistricting plan was approved by a 4-3 vote.

“Our job is to provide an education to the present students and the future students, not the past students,” Walsh said. “Because of that, I’m looking for the best facility to be used to educate our students.

The decision reflects the district’s ongoing efforts to restructure and adapt amid financial and logistical constraints.

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