New Jersey will soon have 13 fewer school districts as a result of action taken by Governor Jon S. Corzine. Calling it a positive first step toward school district consolidation, on Tuesday, the Governor signed legislation clarifying the procedures for executive county superintendents to eliminate non-operating school districts and merge them into existing ones.

"This legislation that I am signing is another important component in our effort to share services and reduce the size of government," said Governor Corzine. "By merging with neighboring districts, students will receive the same quality education as before, and we will also begin to bring more rhyme and reason to our system of school districts across the State."

Non-operating districts exist in communities that are so small they have children, but no schools. As a result, students are sent to another district via a "send-receive" relationship. The non-operating district is charged tuition for the students it sends to the receiving district. There are currently 26 non-operating districts throughout New Jersey, all of which are slated for consolidation.

"While much lip service has been given to reducing the number of school districts, Governor Corzine is the one governor to actually do it by eliminating school districts which do not operate a single school," said Senator Jim Whelan, (D-Atlantic), who sponsored the bill along with Senator James Beach (D- Camden), Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli (D-Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester) and Assemblywoman Celeste M. Riley ((D-Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester)

The following non-operating districts will be eliminated by the Fall: Pemberton Borough, Audobon Park, Tavistock, Shiloh Borough, Glen Gardner, Sea Bright Borough, Helmetta, Victory Gardens, Mantoloking, Millstone, Rocky Hill, Branchville Borough and Hardwick.