School Study Request for Proposal Sits With Chester Boro

Written by Nancy D'Uva

On July 15, the Mendhams united and pushed forward a request for proposal (RFP) that is intended to study breaking apart the regional school district. The Mendham Borough Mayor and Council ratified their RFP, which included additions given to them from Mendham Township.

At that time, Mendham Borough Mayor Neil Henry said that after speaking with Chester Borough Mayor Bob Davis, he was assured that Chester would be taking up the topic at their next meeting.

Not quite.

While it may be Chester Borough’s turn to weigh in on the possibility of breaking up the West Morris Regional School District, Davis said on July 16 that the RFP was passed out to the council and that it will be discussed at the next
council meeting, scheduled for Aug. 6.

Mendham Borough Mayor Neil Henry said he spent time discussing the changes sent over by Mendham Township with township Mayor Rick Merkt and Committeeman Rob Strobel.

“This is a process that requires consensus,” Henry said. “This is not about one entity bulldozing through the process.”

Henry also expressed hope that when Chester Borough was finished with the RFP, that Chester Township would sign off on it as well.

"At this point, it is such a good RFP I can’t imagine Chester Township having an issue with it,” Henry said. “I would like to get the approved RFP over to Mayor Cogger.“