West Belmar School Closure Study Done

The results of the study looking at the possible closure of the district's oldest school are in and will be presented to the Board of Education at its next meeting, officials said.

Middletown-based T&M Associates will present the results of its study looking at the closure of West Belmar School to the board on Tuesday, beginning at 8 p.m., at the Intermediate School, 2801 Allaire Rd., according to a district email to parents. 

The email, circulated at 9 p.m. on Thursday, reads:

"On Tuesday, March 8, at 8:00 pm at Wall Intermediate School, T&M Associates will present the West Belmar Option Feasibility Study, including their demographic findings for Wall Township to the Board of Education. The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend this informative presentation."

A call to schools Superintendent James Habel requesting comment was not returned. Tom Coyle, spokesman for the Save Wall Schools group, also did not return a request for comment.

The announcement closes a month-long study of whether the district could feasibly shutter West Belmar School  -- the district's oldest and least populated elementary school.

District officials have said that , providing a hedge against failed budgets or a loss in state aid.

The prospect of that move is vehemently opposed by members of the Save Wall Schools  group, which has vocally blasted the plan and has and other residents to support the school with.

District officials have said they had feared the school system would receive less financial aid from the state for the 2011 budget plans.

That fear was assuaged last month when , including .