Mountain Valley Conference Realignment and Member Schools
The landscape of New Jersey high school athletics underwent significant shifts during the mid-to-late 2000s. The Mountain Valley Conference, a collective of athletic programs, experienced a period of transition as member schools migrated to other leagues and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) implemented a broader realignment plan.
Conference Transitions and Departures
Between 2005 and 2006, several prominent institutions departed the Mountain Valley Conference to join the Skyland Conference. In 2005, North Plainfield High School and Ridge High School made the move. They were followed in 2006 by Bound Brook High School and Manville High School.
During this same period, the conference saw new additions. Cranford High School joined in 2006 for the majority of its sports programs, and the Kent Place School in Summit also became a member.
The NJSIAA Realignment Plan
The Mountain Valley Conference reached its conclusion at the end of the 2008-2009 academic year. This disbandment was carried out in accordance with the NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association) conference realignment plan, which sought to reorganize athletic competitions across the state.
The dissolution of the conference led to the redistribution of schools based on geography and sport:
- Newark Schools: These institutions joined the Super Essex Conference (SEC).
- Union County Schools: These schools formed their own dedicated conference for all sports, with the exception of football.
- Football Programs: Football schools from Union County joined former members of the Skyland Conference to establish the Mid-State 40.
Member School Overview
The conference consisted of a diverse mix of public high schools and private academies. While most schools competed across all sports, some specialized in specific athletic offerings.
| School Name | Football Program |
|---|---|
| David Brearley High School | Yes |
| Central High School | No |
| Abraham Clark High School | Yes |
| Cranford High School | Yes |
| Jonathan Dayton High School | Yes |
| Governor Livingston High School | Yes |
| Hillside High School | Yes |
| Arthur L. Johnson High School | Yes |
| Kent Place School | No |
| Mount St. Mary Academy | No |
| New Providence High School | Yes |
| Newark Tech High School | No |
| Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child | No |
| Oratory Preparatory School | No |
| Rahway High School | Yes |
| Roselle Catholic High School | No |
| Roselle Park High School | Yes |
| St. Mary of the Assumption High School | No |
| Union Catholic Regional High School | No |
Key Facts
- The Mountain Valley Conference was disbanded after the 2008-2009 season.
- Realignment was mandated by the NJSIAA.
- Newark-based schools transitioned to the Super Essex Conference (SEC).
- Union County football schools helped form the Mid-State 40.
- Four schools (North Plainfield, Ridge, Bound Brook, and Manville) left for the Skyland Conference between 2005 and 2006.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Mountain Valley Conference end?
The conference was disbanded at the conclusion of the 2008-2009 school year.
Why was the conference disbanded?
The disbandment occurred as part of the NJSIAA's conference realignment plan to reorganize high school sports.
Which conference did the Newark schools join?
Schools located in Newark joined the Super Essex Conference (SEC).
What happened to the football programs in Union County?
Football schools from Union County joined schools from the former Skyland Conference to form a new league called the Mid-State 40.
Which schools joined the Skyland Conference before the final disbandment?
North Plainfield and Ridge High Schools joined in 2005, followed by Bound Brook and Manville High Schools in 2006.