Community Corner

Long Valley's Top School Stories of 2013

From board reps fighting to the discussion of closing a school building, 2013 was full of news about education.

With two school districts and six buildings throughout the township, there’s plenty of school news and issues to report on. This year was no different, and here’s a run down of Patch’s biggest school stories from the past 12 months.

Closing School Building a ‘Very Real’ Possibility as Enrollment Dives

A demographic study projected a continued downward trend in enrollment in Washington Township over the next five years, bringing the issue of unused school building space to the forefront – again.

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Students Start ‘Save Chief’ After Facility Monitor’s Ambiguous Departure

An employee of West Morris Central for more than a decade, Richard “Chief” Lansing left his post as a facility monitor in September under ambiguous circumstances. Students were none too happy about it. 

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1,350 Student Drop Projected in Western Morris Schools

A demographic study commissioned by the West Morris Regional High School district showed each district in Washington Township, the Chesters and Mendhams will see drastic dips in enrollment over the next five years.

Top Schools Chief Gets Pay Cut in New 5-Year Contract

Washington Township School District superintendent Jeff Mohre signed a new contract with the board of education this year, lasting five years at the maximum salary allowed by the state. 

$1.446M Building Enhancement Grant Awarded to Twp. Schools

Thanks to half a billion dollars in grant money from the state, many districts were awarded funds to help enhance building and security measures at their schools. Washington Township received a windfall of nearly one and-a-half million.

Regional School Board Reps Get Send-Off in Final Meeting

The two longest-seated West Morris Regional School Board members – Jacke Schram and Jim Johnston – finished their terms in 2013, bringing a combined 20 years of service to an end.

New School Facilities Monitor Hire Draws Armed Guards Talk

Rumors began swirling about a new facility monitor at West Morris Central having a concealed weapon after he was hired, but no action has yet been taken.

Schools Chief Hits Goal, Board OKs $3,875 Bonus Payout

Washington Township Schools Superintendent Jeff Mohre hit one of his goals earlier this fall, which brought along a bonus payout to the tune of nearly $4,000. 

Board Rep Incites School Chief’s Ire over Newsletter Content

A West Morris Regional school board member took issue with a newsletter distributed by the district’s administration, citing the timing of the mailer and content was a problem. The superintendent did not appreciate the comments.

‘Community of Learners’ Becomes Class of 2013

More than 300 students became alumni of West Morris Central in June this year. Take a look at what their peers and teachers had to say about it.

Mendham Drops, Central Not Ranked Among Top High Schools

U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings were not favorable for West Morris Regional’s high schools.

Teachers Rally for Colleague With Cancer

West Morris Regional faculty came together to raise funds for one of their colleagues who was stricken with cancer. 


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