The N.J. Department of Education recently signed off on the LBI Consolidated School District’s plans to merge all students and staff into the Ethel A. Jacobsen Elementary School and sell off the LBI Grade School property, local school officials said Tuesday morning. The state’s conclusion effectively ends a decade-long fight to keep both schools.

“The reality is the state is reinforcing our district decision and our commitment to improve our educational spaces in such a way that it benefits the…