Fields, technology could be among services to be shared
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

Jackson

JACKSON - Plans to share services between the Jackson School District and the municipality have been set in motion.

"The process of combining some of the efforts of the school district and the town is what community is all about," Town-ship Councilwoman Emily Ingram said. "I am optimistic that working jointly with the school board will enable us to find cost-saving measures, to work more efficiently and to increase the quality of our lives here in Jackson."

At a recent meeting of representatives from the Township Council and the school district, several areas in which shared services would be useful and feasible were identified. These areas include the use and maintenance of athletic fields, information technology services and transportation.

It was noted that the school district could also share some of the technical support or network and server space with the township and expand the use of some of its transportation resources for use by the Jackson recreation department.

The township and school district could expand access to athletic fields to increase use, possibly limiting the need to develop additional fields. Sharing the responsibility of maintaining the fields would help to ensure all the fields remain in good condition, according to officials from both bodies.

"One of the things we hear over and over again is that we need more fields," Councilman Scott R. Martin said. "By working with the Board of Education to open up access to their fields for various recreation programs and in turn opening up access to the town's fields for school sports programs, we are taking an important first step in solving that problem."

The two bodies are aiming to work together to gain approval from Cablevision for a township dedicated television station and for the municipality to assist in recycling efforts in Jackson schools.

"We're looking at specific areas within our control where it makes sense to work together," school board President Linda Lackay said. "Sharing services whenever possible results in a win-win outcome that will ultimately benefit every member of the Jackson community. I'm pleased to say that reciprocity between the Jackson Board of Education and the Jackson Township Council has already proven to be a mutual goal."

Lackay said the meeting and discussion of mutually beneficial developments are a step in the right direction.

The school district was represented by Superintendent of Schools Thomas Gialanella, board member Michael Hanlon and Lackay. Ingram and Martin rep-resented the council.