Resolution Would Combine Special Services, Technical School Districts

CREST HAVEN – According to Freeholder Will Morey, the Board of Chosen Freeholders will probably consider a resolution in late March or early April to bring the county’s Special Services School and Technical School districts together under one oversight board. 
While the two districts would remain distinct with separate state district numbers, the move, permitted by state law and already implemented in a number of other counties, unifies the school board for the districts and allows for a single, shared superintendent.
With one oversight board, Morey sees new opportunities for synergies that can further the goal of providing “the best possible education for county students.”
Nancy Hudanich, superintendent of the county Technical School District, would presumably become the shared superintendent of both districts. A search is underway for an assistant superintendent with significant experience in special services education who could bring that expertise to the management team.
“As an educator, I am excited about this opportunity,” Hudanich said. She said she looks forward to “enhanced educational opportunities” that can come from more “collaborative efforts” between the two districts. Hudanich was not yet in a position to be specific about possible collaboration since she noted, “This is a new venture right now.”
Morey was emphatic that the move to unify governance of the two districts was not motivated by an attempt to save money. “This is about better educational opportunities for county students,” he said. “I expect that there probably will be some efficiency, but that is not the motivation here,” he added. Morey also said that any money saved through efficiency improvements probably should be put back into the districts for other opportunities.
The state statute that permits this consolidation of the school board specifically forbids an outright merger of the districts. These are districts with their own special missions, their own state aid, separate budgets, and their own tuition-determination processes. Hudanich also said that, “We are not going into this with an intention to cut or reduce staff.”
This move has been discussed at varying levels for years, according to Hudanich. What prompted its implementation now is the announced retirement of the Special Services Superintendent Barbara Makoski.
The physical buildings housing the two districts are neighbors, separated by a driveway. Morey said the space needs of the technical school district also were not a motivating factor in the move toward unified oversight. “There may be some flexible space benefits,” he said, “but this is about expanding educational benefits.”
As Morey explained it, the new school board would have six members; three would be selected for their background and knowledge of the needs of special education and the other three for expertise in technical and vocational education.
The board is appointed by the freeholders. Morey said the freeholders would certainly be looking at current members of the two boards.
By statute, the board would have to reorganize on July 1; so, Morey indicated that would probably be the most logical starting point for the new board.
“It would be in place for the new school year,” he said.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.