The purpose of this meeting was to receive attorney/client advice regarding the legal implications of the Sept. 26 referendum vote on regionalization.

At the beginning of the joint meeting, it was expected that the boards will adjourn into executive session for the purpose of receiving legal advice.

"This is great news for our community. We've been working on regionalization in our schools for many years and this is a huge step forward in making our collective goal a reality", said Michael Gannon, President of Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education prior to the Sept. 26, 2023 special election in which the proposal was approved by voters.

School officials have until July 1, 2024 to have the new district in place. The costs incurred to hold the special election will be reimbursed by the state Department of Education.

Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, the Acting Commission of Education approved the action in a letter to the Boards of Education for Atlantic Highlands, Highlands, and Henry Hudson on Friday, July 21, 2023 and the three Boards of Education unanimously approved the resolution at the Wednesday, July 26, 2023 Tri-District special meeting.

In line with the 2021 LEAP grant feasibility study findings, the three Boards of Education agreed that regionalization will provide many benefits to Highlands and Atlantic Highlands. The regionalization proposal before the voters will provide educational benefits and opportunities for students, improve operational efficiencies, streamline governance, and eliminate redundant services and costs, stabilize and recalculate NJ State aid for a projected $650,000 in savings in state aid over the next 5 years, and create a pathway for Sea Bright or other municipalities to join a formed all-purpose PK-12 regional district.

“The regionalization of our three districts is an important first step in building a stronger foundation for our schools. We remain fully committed to Sea Bright joining our district when their withdrawal from their current districts is approved by the Commissioner of Education” said Rebecca Wells, President of Highlands Board of Education.

“We are so pleased to bring this referendum to the voters of Highlands and Atlantic Highlands. Taking this first step in the regionalization process will enable us to further streamline services, operations, and school governance to better serve our community in running a more fiscally responsible school district.,” said Karin Masina, Vice President of the Atlantic Highlands Board of Education.