A yearslong battle over where kids in Sea Bright should be educated is one step closer to being settled.

Earlier this month, the New Jersey Supreme Court sided with the Borough of Sea Bright, ruling that it is allowed to seek approval to withdraw from the Oceanport and Shore Regional school districts. Therefore, Sea Bright students who go to Oceanport and Shore Regional schools could be moved to another district.

Several Oceanport parents who spoke to News 12 said they wouldn't want to see that happen.

"I honestly think it would negatively affect the kids, especially the Sea Bright children who've been going to school with the same kids for years and are now going to have to meet new friends, new teachers, new curriculum," one parent said.

However, the ruling is a major victory for the borough.

Sea Bright Mayor Brian P. Kelly said the borough wants to withdraw because taxpayers are contributing a "significantly disproportionate" amount in school taxes compared to residents in other towns who use the same schools.

"At present, there are only about nine Sea Bright students enrolled at Shore Regional. However, under the current structure, Sea Bright taxpayers are contributing approximately $3.3 million each year, more than $375,000 per student," he said. "Despite repeated efforts, Shore Regional has not been receptive to renegotiating this formula."

Still, some parents, like Oceanport Mayor Thomas Tvrdik, said there are some things you can't put a price on.

"You're basically getting a private school education with the classroom sizes. That's what you get. So, remember you get what you pay for," he said.

Other parents said it could be good for Sea Bright students to have a school closer to them.

"I grew up in West Long Branch, so I had a lot of friends in Sea Bright who had to take a bus half an hour each way. That's a lot on kids," a second Oceanport parent told News 12.

Before any changes can take place, the withdrawal must be approved at the state level. Sea Bright must negotiate with their new school district and residents from both parties must vote yes.