NJ parents, students devastated after redistricting plan will reorganize several elementary schools

OLD BRIDGE (WABC) -- Changes are coming to one school district in Middlesex County, New Jersey, that will impact an entire elementary school community.

Officials in Old Bridge are moving forward with a long-discussed plan to reorganize schools, reassigning every student to other buildings starting this fall.

District leaders say the move is about long-term sustainability, but for families, it means big changes ahead.

"This is a big shock to the community. We cannot let this school close," one parent said.

There is a deep feeling that loss is on the horizon for parents who say Cooper Elementary School means so much to the neighborhood.

"It's been a part of the community. It's the heart and soul of the community. Most parents have been students here themselves," PTA President Jennifer Mastorio said.

First grader Grayson is a second generation student who doesn't want to be separated from his class and friends.

"I bought my house in this area so for my... it's intimate," Grayson's mother said.

Increases in heathcare costs are blasting holes in school district budgets across the state.

Old Bridge schools sent a letter home to families highlighting plans to reorganize and redistrict several elementary schools.

The school named after Astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper is the one school where all of its students will be relocated if families can't get the board of education to rethink its decision.

Superintendent Vincent Sasso said in the letter that the decision was not easy, but the plan would strengthen programs and make it possible to continue to provide high-quality education district-wide.

It comes at a more personal cost.

"It's very heartbreaking.. the kids have been crying and it's been an emotional mess since the kids found out yesterday," one teacher said.

The Board of Education is hosting a meeting Thursday night at Cooper Elementary to hear comments and questions from families.

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