Mayors It sounds like Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon is the one person who might well be able to get the Sea Bright regionalization question at least discussed by all those involved.
At least she is the only one who is suggesting immediate action so everyone can be prepared should it be approved for the question to be put to the public.
Broullon appeared at tonight’s Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education meeting and heard discussion led by Sea Bright resident Charley Rooney, Atlantic Highlands resident Mark Fisher and Highlands resident Karen Jarmusz all reminding the board of education of promises made two years ago and wondering what is happening now to further getting the regionalzation question on the ballot so residents can vote on whether they want Sea Bright to become part of the present two-borough district.
Sea Bright has consistently pointed out their entry into the district would mean bringing in a small group of students that current schools could well accept and also bringing in $2 million as a third borough to finance the school’s $28 million a year cost to taxpayers.
Rooney also pointed out during the meeting that both Highlands and Sea Bright already indicated they favor regionalization. He noted that Shore Regional district got a resounding defeat at their special election last week trying to get a $51 million bond issue approved and is facing serious problems with their teacher contracts that cannot be settled until the Sea Bright issue is settled.
Henry Hudson Board chairman Rich Colangelo pointed out, with explanations from the board attorney Jonathon Busch, that the board of education cannot address Sea Bright or discuss the issue with them until the Commissioner of Education makes a decision on whether Sea Bright does have the right, as three appellate courts have upheld, to seek leaving the Shore Regional and Oceanport districts and becoming part of the newly formed Henry Hudson district.
When Mayor Broullon stood up during the public portion of the Hudson board meeting she calmly stated, “there’s no mystery, let me explain.” She then told the board and residents present at the meeting that she recently made calls herself to Atlantic Highlands Mayor Lori Hohenleitner, Sea Bright Mayor Brian Kelly and Colangelo and suggested they all meet at Highlands Borough Hall for a quiet, informal discussion to talk about what needs to be done; she suggested they could then be in a position to formulate some cohesive arrangement so the board can be ready to move to the “second step” once the Commissioner’s decision is announced.
“I know in my heart there’s a way to make this work,” the mayor said.
While Colangelo noted he cannot speak with Sea Bright on the issue, he has agreed to attend the meeting and hear the viewpoints of the mayors.
The Highlands mayor confirmed after the meeting that the meeting has been set for the mayors and Colangelo to meet in Highlands, but declined to say when it will be, other than “soon”
