Regionalization of Schools/Shared Services

[Dollar$ and Sense]

In 1995, the Demarest school system, along with six other K-8 districts, and the Northern Valley Regional High School studied the feasibility of becoming a regional K-12 district. It was a logical review to do. As far back as 1961 our schools have worked together and shared services.

The lessons learned in the Northern Valley stand today as a model for all of New Jersey. The Joint Legislative Committee on Government Consolidation and Shared Services has been given the following charge: "It is the duty of the committee to review and formulate proposals that address the sharing of services and regionalization of functions at all levels of government. As a basis for these deliberations, the committee will use the CORE agenda proposed by the Speaker of the General Assembly." Dollar$ and Sense strongly recommends that this committee must look to what currently works so well. Starting over and "reinventing the wheel" does not serve New Jersey well.

The 1961 Boards of Education were courageous and innovative. They recognized the benefit of working cooperatively for the good of all the children who would be sent to the regional HS. They established a regional Curriculum and Instruction Center. This provided a means for improved instruction and teacher performance while maintaining the local control of their children’s education.
The 1995 feasibility study, showed that Demarest, Closter, Harrington Park, Norwood, and Old Tappan would have a tax rate increase. Haworth and Northvale would have a decrease. While there would be a cost savings from the elimination of some administrative positions, this savings would be eliminated with the salary adjustments needed to merge the 8 salary guides.

The continued commitment of the current boards of education, superintendents, business administrators, principals, and teachers allows us to continue what was started over 40 years ago, while looking for additional ways to expand our shared services. The Northern Valley Consortium districts have many established activities that produce fiscal economies while providing effective educational programs.

Excerpted from the NV Profile of Shared Services Report, the existing Regional Programs, (K-12) are:

Curriculum and Instruction: T & E Goals, Five Year Plan, Testing, Textbook Review/Revisions

Staff Development/In-service

Pooling of Grants

Technology Services: Technology Engineer, Training/Staff Development, Equipment Services;

Special Education (Region III): Coordination of Special Ed Programs throughout the region, sharing of staff, i.e., Psychiatrist, OT and PT Therapists

Transportation: Non-Public Schools, Special Ed

Five Year Facilities Master Plan

Right-to-Know/Blood Borne Pathogens,

Purchasing supplies

Insurance Pool

There is currently a strong belief that regionalization results in meaningful cost savings. Our experience shows that this is not always true. The savings we seek and the efficiencies we require can be found by working together with common goals. We are committed to providing the best educational programs in the most efficient manner to all the children of the Northern Valley. We have found success and we will continue to work towards these goals.