NJ S2646

Executive county superintendents must submit a consolidation plan to the Commissioner of Education within 12 months to combine all school districts in their county, excluding county special services and vocational school districts.

School districts with fewer than 500 students must be consolidated, and the plan must recommend establishing or enlarging all-purpose or limited purpose regional school districts.

The Commissioner must approve or disapprove each plan within six months; approved plans require state-funded feasibility studies analyzing enrollment, finances, transportation, staffing, and potential cost savings.

Regional districts must be established by July 1 of the fifth full school year after approval if feasibility studies confirm the consolidation will not increase student segregation, is geographically practical, and shows potential for efficiency gains.

Voter approval is eliminated for consolidations under this bill; if a feasibility study fails to meet required assurances, the Commissioner determines an alternative consolidation plan with implementation by the sixth school year.