Jackson school district announces high school merger, here is the plan

JACKSON, N.J. — The Jackson School District has announced a major restructuring plan that would consolidate the district’s schools, including closing Goetz Middle School and turning Jackson Memorial High School into a middle school for 7th and 8th graders. Under the plan, Jackson Liberty High School would become the district’s sole high school.

The decision is a recommendation by the district to the board. The board will make the final decision.

Jackson Liberty High School opened in 2006 and features modern amenities, acres of open space, and sports fields. Jackson Memorial High School opened in 1963 and is an aging school. In recent years, the district has invested tens of millions of dollars in upgrading bathrooms, HVAC systems, technology, and other capital improvements.

The plan, which will be presented to the Board of Education for consideration, proposes the following grade realignments: PreK through 4th grade would remain at current elementary schools; McAuliffe Middle School would transition to an upper elementary school for all 5th and 6th graders; Jackson Memorial High School would serve as a middle school for all 7th and 8th graders; and Jackson Liberty High School would become the district’s single high school for grades 9 through 12.

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Additionally, the plan includes closing Goetz Middle School, which the district aims to sell or rent to reduce operating costs.

The restructuring reflects the recommendation of the School Reimagining and Resource Planning (SRRP) Committee, which reached consensus on the model after reviewing district resources and student enrollment.

Officials stated that the proposal is designed to optimize resources and address long-term operational costs. Further details, including a timeline for implementation, are expected to be discussed at upcoming Board of Education meetings.

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