Long before the concept of sharing services was an accepted practice among Somerset County municipalities and school districts, the Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) was engaged in providing a wide range of shared educational, administrative, and transportation support services to public and non-public schools.

SCESC is a public educational agency, established under New Jersey Statute Title 18A, that serves as the catalyst for cooperative education, administration, and financing. SCESC implements programs and provides services which are not within financial reason for an individual district or school.

The State of New Jersey mandates that school districts provide instruction and educational services to all students regardless of their level of need. The SCESC provides coordination, educational service delivery, and transportation for public and non-public schools in the county for all districts in need of services. For example, districts with relatively few special education students of various ages compounded by a lack of necessary infrastructure and support services (i.e., counseling, nursing), will have their needs met through SCESC services.

In addition to qualified educators, SCESC supports student needs with fulltime counselors, including a Psychologist, Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC), Learning Consultant (LDTC), Social Workers (LCSW’S/ LSW’S, two nurses, School Resources Officers (SRO), and a part-time Psychiatrist. Intensive individual and group counseling is always available and speech services are provided as indicated in the IEP (Individualized Education Program).

Funded by tuition from local sending districts for on-site school programs, fees for services from participating districts, state and federal grants, and private sector donations, SCESC operates facilities and programs serving all school age populations in Somerset and neighboring counties.