December 2025 Update

The district has finalized the sale of the Long Beach Island Grade School property.  

With the sale now complete, we are moving forward with the next steps in our district’s transition plan. ​ Our focus remains on ensuring a smooth process for students, staff, and families. ​ We are committed to maintaining the high-quality educational experience that our community expects and deserves.​  We will provide updates regarding timelines, facilities planning, and any changes to daily operations​, as needed.

We appreciate your continued​ support​ through this process. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out​.

November 2025 Update

Upcoming: We are excited to share the upcoming dedication ceremony of the Ethel A. Jacobsen Media Center and Long Beach Island Elementary School at the front of the school building on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. 

To commemorate this important milestone, we will be holding a ceremony to honor the legacy of our school district and the unveiling of the new school name. Following this outdoor ceremony, we invite everyone to join us inside for light refreshments and a chance to connect with fellow families, staff, and community members.

We look forward to celebrating this meaningful occasion with you and your family as we honor our past and look forward to the bright future ahead at the Long Beach Island Elementary School. 

Dedication Ceremony

We would like to thank our Long Beach Island Board of Education members, families, faculty, special guests and especially to our students for being here on this very special day in our school district’s history. 

Today we dedicate the  new name for this beloved school building - the Long Beach Island Elementary School. The Long Beach Island Elementary School reflects our continued growth, and our shared vision for the future. 

At the same time, we honor the legacy of the Ethel A Jacobsen Elementary School - a name that carries decades of memories, friendships, and accomplishments. As Ethel Jacobsen continues a tradition of exemplary learning, her name will continue to be present outside of the school as a tribute to the newly dedicated Ethel A. Jacobson Media Center. 

By naming this space, we ensure that every student who walks through these doors will be reminded of where the building’s legacy came from and who worked to build the foundation we all stand on today.
This morning, we dedicate this school under its new name, the Long Beach Island Elementary School and we celebrate the enduring spirit of our former name through the Ethel A. Jacobsen Media Center that will carry it forward.

May both names stand side by side as symbols of learning and growth for generations to come.

August 2025 Update

Name Change of School Building 

The Long Beach Island Board of Education is considering a name change for the Ethel A. Jacobsen School. This proposed change is part of a broader effort to unify and strengthen our school community and the five towns we proudly serve. As we work to bring both schools together, our goal is to build a shared identity that reflects the entire Long Beach Island community. 

As part of that ongoing commitment, we are reaching out to inform you of the change currently being considered. Please be assured that in any decision made, the Board of Education will respectfully honor the names and contributions of both schools. The legacy of Ethel A. Jacobsen and the Long Beach Island Grade School will continue to be acknowledged and celebrated in meaningful ways within our district.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide the best possible educational experience for all Long Beach Island students.

Parent Information Nights

Parent information nights were held on November 11, 2024 and June 2, 2025.  The slideshow from the 6-2-25 meetings can be viewed below.

July 2024 Update

On July 23, 2024, the Board of Education approved the second amendment to the purchase agreement with Michael Pagnotta Architect, P.A. d/b/a Fortuna Park LLC for the purchase of the Long Beach Island Grade School property.  On the same evening, the Ship Bottom Council named Michael Pagnotta Architect d/b/a Fortuna Park LLC as the designated redeveloper for the LBI Grade School property.  Additionally, as a result of the resolutions adopted by Ship Bottom, litigation between the Board of Education and the Borough of Ship Bottom is now concluded.  

Most importantly, the Board of Education has a closing date for the final disposition of the LBI Elementary School - June 17, 2025.  Since 2022, the Board has been planning for this to become a reality.  Capital has been allocated, in addition to the sale proceeds, for the renovation/expansion of the Ethel Jacobson school.  Additionally, the Board is finalizing our transition plan to ensure that the educational needs of our students are met while we transition to one school.

The Board is very pleased with the decisions rendered by the Borough of Ship Bottom and appreciates the positive collaboration between the municipal entities and the prospective purchaser, Michael Pagnotta.  

As the Board finalizes its transition plans, we will be providing information to the staff and greater community.  These plans have been in process for over two years and the Board is excited to finalize them with the assistance and collaboration of all of the stakeholders in the community.