Jackson Township Delays Vote on Middle School Closure Amid Budget Cuts

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A pivotal vote on the potential closure of Goetz Middle School has been postponed to Feb. 19, as Jackson Township school officials seek more time to deliberate. The decision, originally scheduled for Wednesday night, would also determine whether Jackson Memorial High School will be repurposed as a middle school, leaving Jackson Liberty High School as the district’s sole high school.

The delay comes amid significant financial challenges for the district, which has lost more than half of its state aid over the past seven years, totaling $22.4 million. Enrollment has also declined by more than 15%, prompting officials to consider drastic measures. “The Liberty School was built many years ago with the intention to add a second floor, so they still have that option,” said Angel Jusino, a grandparent of a district student.

High school student Chloe Torres expressed frustration with the postponement, stating, “I think they should make the decision today like they were supposed to, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”

This potential closure follows last year’s shuttering of Sylvia Rosenauer Elementary School, which had the district’s lowest elementary enrollment at 265 students. The district sold the elementary school site to Bais Yaakov of Jackson for $13.1 million in December. However, officials have indicated they may opt to rent out Goetz Middle School rather than sell it.

Jackson Liberty High School, which opened in 2006, would become the district’s only high school if the plan moves forward. The district’s six remaining elementary schools continue to face enrollment challenges, further complicating the financial outlook.

The next school board meeting, where the vote is expected to take place, is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Feb. 19. The outcome could reshape the educational landscape of Jackson Township for years to come.