JACKSON, N.J. — Hundreds of students walked through the doors of the new Cheder School campus this week, transforming the former McAuliffe Middle School from a public school into a private educational institution less than a year after its sale and just weeks after its closing.
The opening represents the latest chapter in one of the most closely watched real estate transactions in Ocean County education.
The former Jackson Township middle school closed following the 2024-25 school year as part of the district’s restructuring efforts. Soon afterward, the Board of Education placed the 37.5-acre campus at 35 South Hope Chapel Road on the market with an initial minimum asking price of $54.5 million.
The property included a 126,305-square-foot school building, modular classrooms, athletic facilities, parking areas and other improvements.
Sale price fell well below original asking price
The first round of bidding failed to produce an acceptable offer.
On Nov. 19, 2025, the Jackson Board of Education lowered the minimum acceptable bid to $44.418 million and scheduled a second bidding deadline for Dec. 12.
Less than a week after bids were opened, the Board accepted a $40 million offer, formally approving the sale on Dec. 18. The deal was fast and furious.
The buyer was identified as Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG), America’s largest Yeshiva operator, based in Lakewood.
The final purchase price was $14.5 million below the district’s original asking price and approximately $4.4 million below the Board’s revised minimum bid.
Questions continue to surround bidding process
Prior to the sale, there was widespread speculation within the community that more than one private educational institution had expressed interest in acquiring the property.
Shore News Network has received allegations from sources claiming discussions may have occurred between prospective purchasers before bids were submitted. Those allegations have not been independently verified, and no public agency has announced an investigation or alleged wrongdoing by any bidder. A reported deal was struck between the interested parties, one would be the sole bidder while the other leased the property.
Cheder is now apparently leasing the space within the new BMG facility.
One aspect of the sale documents has drawn attention.
The district’s official bid specifications required every bidder to execute an Affidavit of Non-Collusion. Under that certification, bidders affirmed they had not entered into agreements or participated in any arrangement intended to restrain or eliminate competitive bidding.
Such affidavits are standard requirements in many public bidding processes and are intended to protect the integrity of competitive sales.
At this time, there is no public evidence that any bidder has violated those requirements.
Campus begins a new chapter
Regardless of the controversy surrounding the sale, the former McAuliffe campus has now returned to its original purpose—educating students.
Families arrived this week as the Cheder School officially welcomed students into classrooms that, until recently, served thousands of Jackson Township public school children.
The transition highlights the continuing evolution of educational institutions across Ocean County as enrollment patterns and community needs continue to change.
For Jackson Township, the sale generated $40 million for the school district following the closure of one of its former middle schools.
For the Cheder School, it provides a significantly expanded campus capable of serving its growing student population.
- The Cheder School has opened classes at the former McAuliffe Middle School campus.
- The district originally listed the property with a minimum asking price of $54.5 million.
- The final sale price was $14.5 million below the original minimum asking price.
Why did Jackson sell McAuliffe Middle School?
- The school closed following the 2024-25 school year as part of the district’s restructuring.
Who purchased the property?
- Beth Medrash Govoha purchased the campus for $40 million.
Was the property sold below the asking price?
- Yes. The final sale price was below both the original $54.5 million minimum asking price and the later revised minimum bid.
Has any government agency found evidence of bid collusion?
- No public findings or allegations by law enforcement or regulators have been announced. Allegations about the bidding process remain unverified.
Sources: Jackson Township Board of Education, [Jackson Township Board of Education Bid Documents], [Ocean County Clerk Property Records]
