Though Lakewood girls’ Mosdos are set to begin tomorrow, they could remain shut.

Askonim tell TLS exclusively that 21 primary school girls in Lakewood are still without a school placement, following significant efforts over the past several weeks to address the ongoing enrollment crisis.

According to Askonim involved in the process, the number of girls who remained without placements had previously stood at approximately 60. Through extensive efforts by Askonim working directly with the schools, that number has now been reduced to 21, despite schools having very limited room and capacity.

The Askonim say that getting the number down this far required considerable effort from the schools.

However, TLS has learned that there is now serious discussion among Lakewood’s Roshei HaYeshiva about potentially reinstating a policy that would have a major impact on the opening of the school year.

Under the proposal being discussed, no girls’ school would be permitted to begin the school year until every girl has a confirmed school placement.

This policy was in place for many years while Rav Matisyahu Solomon Zatzal, the Mashgiach of Beth Medrash Govoha, was alive. The policy, which effectively ensured that the schools would work together to resolve outstanding placements before opening, was stopped some time ago.

There is now discussion that the policy could once again be implemented this year, with the goal of ensuring that no girl is left without a school when the school year begins.

The reduction from approximately 60 girls to 21 represents substantial progress, but that the remaining cases can be particularly challenging because of the limited availability of seats in the schools.

The possibility of reinstating the policy would place additional urgency on the schools to find a solution for every remaining student before classes begin.

TLS will continue to follow this developing story.