David Kilby, Managing Editor
JAMESBURG After approaching all public high schools within a half-hour drive of Jamesburg, the Jamesburg School District found none that could accommodate its approximately 205 high school students in time for the 2012-13 school season.
Since school officials have done their part in searching for a new high school, they now are considering approaching Monroe Township High School to renegotiate.
The Jamesburg Board of Education decided to search for another high school for its students earlier this year because it could not afford to send its high school students to MTHS for $16,100 per student, the cost the new high school was proposing to Jamesburg.
Jamesburg approached 18 high schools over the summer, and five responded they were interested in learning more.
The five districts that showed interest were Freehold Regional, Matawan-Aberdeen, West-Windsor-Plainsboro, South Amboy and Old Bridge.
At a special meeting Monday, Darren Larsen, Jamesburg school board president, announced Freehold Regional, Matawan-Aberdeen and West-Windsor-Plainsboro high schools were no longer interested after learning further details regarding the accommodation of Jamesburg’s high school students.
The other two schools, South Amboy and Old Bridge, asked for more time, but Jamesburg doesn’t have any more time to spare. The district needed an answer by Oct. 1 so it could begin plans for transition. Any later date doesn’t provide the district with enough time to change high schools by September of next year.
”Is this enough for us to approach Monroe and say we’ve done what we can?” Mr. Larsen asked.
”You don’t have to take any action tonight, but you may need to make some communications. It’s between you guys and Monroe now,” said Jenn Paganucci, school board attorney.
”Plan B is to stay with Monroe,” said parent Rick Reynolds, of Jamesburg. “Have we come up with an idea for how to pay that bill yet? Was there any pre-thought of this possibly being the result?”
Tom Reynolds, school business administrator, said he met with the county three years in a row to explain the district’s situation.
”I think this is good news for us,” said Paul Gentile, of Sedgwick Street. “I hope you realize that we’re willing to help you find the funds to pay for our kids. You’re not alone. Now we can fight the same fight. Instead of us wanting to stay in Monroe, and you not being sure about it, we can fight the same fight.”
Monroe residents pay about $14,900 per student since their school taxes are spread over the entire district. The cost for Jamesburg students to go to Monroe is higher because it’s a cost that’s divided among only about 205 students.
