Combining Central Regional and Sending Districts Could Save $500K, Experts Say

Regionalization study reveals potential savings, but tax implications are complex

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A study examining the feasibility of combining the Central Regional School District with its sending districts of Berkeley, Ocean Gate, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, and Island Heights found that the move could save nearly $500,000 - if Seaside Park decides to participate. However, the tax savings are not universal, with some districts potentially seeing increases while others benefit.

Why it matters

The proposed regionalization aims to eliminate multiple administrative positions, create a more cohesive educational experience, and potentially save money. However, the differing tax formulas and Seaside Park's unique status as a non-operating school district complicate the potential savings and impact on individual districts.

The details

The Rowan School Regionalization Institute conducted the feasibility study, which focused on creating a preschool through 12th grade regional school district. This would eliminate redundant administrative positions and align curriculum across the participating districts. However, the tax savings are not guaranteed, as some districts could see increases while others benefit, depending on the complex tax formulas involved. Seaside Park's status as a non-operating school district also poses a challenge, as its inclusion would "massively increase the amount of money that Seaside Park has to contribute to the local regional fund."

  • The results of the regionalization feasibility study were presented on February 11, 2026.

The players

Rowan School Regionalization Institute

The organization that conducted the feasibility study examining the potential combination of the Central Regional School District and its sending districts.

Brian Diamante

A member of the study team who presented the findings.

Central Regional School District

The school district that is considering combining with its sending districts.

Berkeley

One of the sending districts that could be part of the proposed regionalization.

Ocean Gate

One of the sending districts that could be part of the proposed regionalization.

Seaside Heights

One of the sending districts that could be part of the proposed regionalization.

Seaside Park

One of the sending districts that could be part of the proposed regionalization, but is currently a non-operating school district.

Island Heights

One of the sending districts that could be part of the proposed regionalization.

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What they’re saying

“If Seaside Park voters defeated the referendum but it passed in the other districts, it would not be part of the new regional district. It would keep its current elementary agreement and then for seventh to 12th grade, it would be a send-receive relationship instead of being a constituent member. That would change Seaside Park into contributing on a per-pupil tuition basis instead of based on property values, which would lessen the cost for them. This would make the other districts pay more.”

— Brian Diamante, Study team member (patch.com)

What’s next

In order to regionalize, a majority of voters in each town would need to approve it. If a town votes no, they would not be part of the regionalization.

The takeaway

The proposed regionalization of the Central Regional School District and its sending districts has the potential to save money, but the complex tax implications and Seaside Park's unique status make the potential savings and impact on individual districts uncertain. The success of the plan will depend on the approval of voters in each participating town.