Clinton Township Newsletter

1 0 A u g u s t 2 0 1 5 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com C L I N T O N T O W N S H I P S C H O O L N E W S www.ctsd.k12.nj.us A L e t t e r f r o m Dr. Drucilla Clark, Superintendent of Schools Dear Parents and Community Members: Many people have asked me about the Ad Hoc School Closing Committee, what it is and if we are definitely closing one of the Clinton Township schools due to declining enrollment. This committee was formed by the Board of Education after a Demographic Study was presented by Dr. Richard Grip (This is posted on our website). Dr. Grip described the declining enrollment expected over the next few years and the Board of Education thought it would be important to prepare and plan for this impact on our schools and community. The committee gives regular updates and is looking at a timeline that includes some decisions for the next two budget years. It is important to note that this work may not result in closing a school, but could result in a change in the way our buildings are utilized or any one of a whole group of ideas and/or possibilities. There are many possibilities such as renting the space, utilizing it for a different community or school purpose, maybe mothballing it or selling it altogether. However, we are checking costs and determining whether or not this will have the kind of budget decreases people are expecting. It may not be the savings we all expect in the way we expect them. The savings may come in efficiencies instead. First, we must be sure the predictions are correct and will be correct for a sustained period in the future. It would be problematic if we sold a building and then found out two years later that there was a birth spike or housing sales boom and we needed more space. The committee is looking at all possibilities and exploring every option available. So, could we decide to close a school – yes – but we could also decide to utilize a building in a different way for economic or educational purposes and efficiencies. Everyone wants an answer yesterday, but it takes time to gather cost options, look at the demographics and possible space utilization. Some have asked why not just close a building already. Well, when demographics change they do not just eliminate a grade level entirely and all at once. They decline in a more sporadic way and now we are beginning to see the effects on staffing and in actual room usage. If the trend continues, next year will see more change. It is coming time to make decisions. Many questions come to the surface such as "Can we reconfigure grades?", "Do we change to community based schools?", "How does closing a school impact the community?" to name just a few. One of my recent articles spoke of community use of our buildings. If we close one, that is one less building, one less gym space, one less group of classroom spaces for the recreation program and community groups to utilize as well. Each decision has a financial and social cost. The question becomes, which is most sustainable and reasonble for the tax impact, the educational value and the community to live with long term? The committee is going through each detail of the buildings and reviewing associated costs. How many classrooms are necessary and what are each of the program requirements? What are the associated costs of operations in each building and how does that change impact taxes? It is a systematic process that we hope will leave no stone unturned. We have reviewed assumptions like class size and if it would stay the same as we currently have or would we change it in any way. We are looking at events or possibilities that would change the demographic expectations that we need to remain aware of, as we make decisons. For example, right now there is a move by younger people to the cities. What if something happened that reversed that trend? How does School Choice impact our future financially and facilities-wise? Decisions must be made before our next budget cycle to begin the planning process through the next two years. Please watch our website and Board agendas for discussions on this detailed and difficult decision making process. We will be including more of the community and staff in our discussions at future meetings. Every building is being considered, as is every option. No option has been eliminated at this time. It is hard to think that times could change so quickly. One year we are building a new middle school with demographics that predicted huge growth and now we are thinking of more change. It is why we need to be careful and cautious, being sure we look at all options. Please join the discussion. Be part of the process and share your ideas. This is a time of dynamic change and these are decisions that will impact our community and future. As always, please contact me with any questions. With appreciation, Dr. Drucilla Clark t Tohip Scho DictMi Statemt: The Clinton Township School District, in partnership with the community, achieves excellence for each child by ensuring a meaningful and challenging educational experience in a supportive environment, developing life-long learners who are responsible and productive citizens. In a 2009 government web cast, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan described summer learning loss as "devastating." This is what researchers have often referred to as the "summer slide." It is estimated that school summer breaks will cause the average student to lose up to one month of instruction, with disadvantaged students being disproportionately affected (Cooper, 1996). Researchers conclude that two-thirds of the 9th grade reading achievement gap can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities during the elementary school years, with nearly one-third of the gap present when children begin school (Alexander, Entwistle & Olsen, 2007). The body of existing research demonstrates the critical importance that the early development of summer reading habits can play in providing the foundation for later success. Source: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/research.htm The Impt Sm Readg!

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