In a lukewarm try at consolidation, Somerset Hills (2,100 kids K-12) and Bedminster (600 kids, K-8) are looking once again at regionalization. The two Somerset County districts have done feasibility studies before, most recently in 2003, and there were no obvious economies of scale. But, given the mandates from the DOE, they are giving it another go.
What are the odds? In the last 23 years, reports the Star-Ledger, there have been three consolidations among New Jersey school districts, mainly because one town ends up having higher taxes than pre-consolidation. And if either town votes the proposal down, then it’s over. We won’t hold our breath, but they get props for trying.
