Did you know that nearly every middle school in Morris County is part of the Greater Morris County Junior Schools Conference (GMJSCA)—except for Lazar Middle School? While students in surrounding towns have access to official school sports teams, our kids are missing out on opportunities to compete, build teamwork, and represent their school in a league that has existed for years (decades).

This isn’t just about sports—it’s about fairness, inclusivity, opportunity, and giving Montville Township students the same benefits as their peers in surrounding districts. Despite parents formally requesting that the Board of Education take action to enter this Morris Co. middle school sports league, no progress has been made yet. It’s time to show that this matters to all sports families in our town, not just a small group.

Our township is one of the most well-funded in the area, and the cost to join is minimal— $200 per team, per year. That’s a small price to pay for the countless benefits of middle school sports, including:

✔️ Athletic equity for Lazar students to participate in competitive soccer, field hockey, cross country, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, track, lacrosse, and wrestling.

✔️ Participating in a middle school league fosters a deep sense of school spirit and pride, uniting students as they represent their school in competition. It strengthens community bonds by allowing kids to compete alongside their classmates against teams from neighboring towns, building camaraderie, teamwork, and a shared sense of accomplishment. Through these experiences, students develop lasting connections and take pride in being part of something bigger than themselves, reinforcing a positive school culture.

✔️ Ensuring Inclusivity and Equal Access: Competitive sports—distinct from rec programs—provide student-athletes with higher-level training, skill development, and the opportunity to compete at an advanced level. These programs should be accessible to all students, not just those who can afford the additional costs of Town Travel programs. Lazar should foster fairness and a level playing field where every child has the chance to participate at a higher level if they so desire, despite their socioeconomic status.

✔️ A level playing field—because our children deserve the same opportunities to develop team synergy, growth, and rapport with each other as teammates before they reach high school, just as the students in surrounding towns do for years before they reach high school, including Boonton, Madison, Mountain Lakes, Kinnelon, Pequannock, Parsippany, Livingston, Denville, Florham Park, Morris Plains and dozens more. The list of participating schools includes almost all middle schools in Morris County, with many additional schools from Essex and Bergen counties (even Hunterdon). 

Let’s make sure the Board of Education hears us loud and clear: Lazar Middle School belongs in the GMJSCA! Sign this petition to demand action and give our kids the chance to compete the same way our neighboring towns do.