JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Parents and students in Jackson Township are on edge as rumors intensify about the potential closure of Jackson Liberty High School ahead of a critical Board of Education meeting this week. The district is exploring the possibility of consolidating its schools to address budget shortfalls, declining enrollment, and aging infrastructure, prompting widespread concern throughout the community.
The speculation follows the summer closure of Rosenauer Elementary School, which is now listed for sale, and discussions about consolidating middle and high school operations. One controversial proposal reportedly under consideration would merge the district’s two high schools, Jackson Liberty and Jackson Memorial, into a single district-wide system. This plan would divide grades between schools, with students in grades 7-9 attending one building and grades 10-12 attending the other.
Earlier this year, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy ignored pleas to fix Jackson’s state aid issues, saying the district and others like it should consider closing schools and cutting expenses.
Goetz Middle School has also emerged as a potential closure candidate, fueling further uncertainty. In addition, some parents are alarmed by unverified online claims that Holman Elementary School could be next, though the district has yet to confirm or deny the rumors. District officials have remained tight-lipped about the specifics, offering little clarity to ease community tensions.
In a statement, the district attributed the discussions to financial constraints and uneven enrollment numbers. “Significant budget challenges, enrollment changes, class size inequities, increasing student needs, and the condition of our aging facilities require us to analyze our district’s mission and goals,” the district said, emphasizing the need to ensure equitable access to educational resources.
No final decisions have been made, and district leaders have urged community members to participate in the public decision-making process. A strategic planning session in August laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions, but concrete proposals remain in the evaluation phase. Officials have promised to communicate updates as plans develop, though many parents remain skeptical.
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Parents and residents are expected to turn out in force at this week’s Board of Education meeting, where further updates may be provided.