The Livingston Public Schools Board of Education issued a press release stating that its members are meeting and consistently sharing information with the Township Council. These conversations have recently included the possible use of the Monmouth Court C ommunity Center as a full-time school.
The meetings, according to the release, demonstrate “the collective commitment to ensuring that Livingston Public Schools will continue to attract individuals and families who are eager to make Livingston their home and contribute to the community as a whole.”
“We should all be proud that Livingston remains such a desirable community, and we are all dedicated to working towards a common goal to make Livingston even better,” said superintendent of schools Matthew Block.
A Liaison Committee was created earlier in the year to achieve this goal, according to the release. It includes superintendent Block, township manager Barry Lewis, Board of Education members Pam Chirls and Seth Cohen, and Township Council members Ed Meinhardt and Rosy Bagolie. This committee has been meeting periodically since January to share information and maintain open lines of communication between the bodies.
In recent meetings, the committee has had discussions about the needs for the future based on recent enrollment trends and anticipated development projects. During the latest meetings, which were held on July 31 andAugust 17 at the school district’s central office, representatives agreed on the idea of pursuing an analysis of Monmouth Court Community Center to determine its possible use as a full-time school without disruption to the programs currently in place, and to consider other municipal land available for expansion projects as the Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee begins its work.
Additional highlights of the meetings include:
• The sharing of data and documents related to the district's demographic study and enrollment trends, as well as consideration for upcoming development projects and their impact on the township, including specifically, school enrollment.
• Discussion on the future use of township space, which may include coordination with the district’s longterm facility plan in progress.
• The appointment of one member of the Town Council to the District’s Long Term Facilities Planning Committee, beginning this fall.
The release concluded by stating that “the Livingston Board of Education and the Livingston Township Council remain dedicated to working closely, creatively, and collaboratively for the betterment of all who live, learn, andgrowup inLivingston and will provide regular updates to the community on its progress.”
Upcoming Joint Meetings
A public “Five on Five” meeting of the Council and Board is scheduled for Wednesday, September 6, at 7 p.m.
An account of this meeting will be published in the September 14 issue of the Tribune.
