Smith, Diegnan Bill to Allow the Educational Services Commission to Own the Piscataway Regional Day School Clears Senate

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Smith and Senator Patrick Diegnan, which would require the State to sell land to the Piscataway Regional Day School, which is operated by the Educational Services Commission, cleared the Senate today.

“The Piscataway Regional Day School has helped out hundreds of students with disabilities for almost forty years,” said Senator Smith (D-Middlesex/Somerset). “The partnership between the School and the Educational Services Commission has created a nurturing environment for students to thrive in. This has allowed for students from Middlesex County and the surrounding areas to be given quality education and services. This legislation will allow that partnership to solidify and really blossom in a way that helps both the students and the community.”

“The people over at the Piscataway Regional Day School have selflessly worked to ensure individuals with disabilities receive an educational experience that suits their varying needs,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “The school has seen much needed investments from the Commission, who also operates the school. However, they do not own the land. Allowing them to own and operate the school will give them the ability to really expand upon the good work they have been able achieve so far.”

“The Board of Directors of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey is most appreciative of the legislation sponsored by Senator Smith and Senator Diegnan,” said Mark Finkelstein, Superintendent of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey. “This legislation is clearly in the best interests of the school, our special needs students and the taxpayers.  Future generations of students will be ensured a superior educational environment which prepares them for adult life.”

The Piscataway Regional Day School has traditionally offered specialized programs for students ages 3-21, with multiple disabilities. The program focuses on the development of independent functional skills in language, academic, social and vocational areas. Student disabilities range from moderate to severe and include the areas of cognitive, neurological, medical and orthopedic disabilities.

The Educational Services Commission of New Jersey has operated the Piscataway Regional Day School through a long-standing agreement with the Department of Education since 1982. This relationship has resulted in 37 years of quality education for more than 100 students enrolled from 28 school districts covering six counties.

The bill, S-4281, was released from the Senate by a vote of 38-0.