Clinton Township Newsletter

1 4 J u n e 2 0 1 7 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.ctsdnj.org During the 2015-2016 school year, the Clinton Township Board of Education formed an ad hoc committee to research and evaluate the feasibility of closing a school. In March 2016, the ad hoc committee members presented information that reviewed the results of the research in order to determine if the district personnel could immediately close one of its four school buildings taking into consideration the projected enrollment for the 2016-2017 school year. The components of the initial research included: • The results of a demographic study conducted by Statistical Forecasting, Inc. lead by Dr. Richard Grip. • A capacity analysis of each building. • A review of the options for utilizing existing building space in the district's current structure identifying the positive aspects and areas of concern for use within each building. • A review of the options for consolidating the space from four to three buildings identifying the positive aspects and areas of concern for closing each individual building. Based upon the data and information collected, the ad hoc committee members recommended that the Board of Education prepare to keep all four buildings open for the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years. They also committed to taking steps during the 2016-2017 school year to further evaluate and possibly plan for the district's consolidation. The ad hoc committee members stated that, during the 2016-2017 school year they would: • Monitor district enrollment numbers. • Conduct a cost analysis of consolidation savings. • Conduct a more formal feasibility study of full consolidation of our district including, but not limited to transportation, staffing, timeframe and building modifications. • Work with the Division of School Finance of the New Jersey Department of Education and the Executive County Superintendent offices to formally identify the steps involved in the required approval process. • Begin to seek approval to consolidate the district facilities. • Work with the architect to plan for the repurposing of space in Clinton Township Middle School and make recommendations for space utilization in the remaining buildings. • Identify a revenue-generating business to establish in the fourth building. In February 2017, the ad hoc committee reconvened to continue discussions on the feasibility of closing a school. At that meeting, committee members discussed a number of steps to take to continue the evaluation of closing a school. The following activities were identified by the conclusion of that meeting: • Identify and hire an expert to conduct a cost analysis for consolidating the district into three buildings. • Plan for and complete an extensive feasibility analysis regarding the consolidation process. • Identify the in-district processes required to consolidate facilities in order to close a school. • Ask our Board attorney to work with the state and county to properly identify the steps necessary to close a school as well as the timeline for approvals. • Contact school districts that have closed a building within the last four to five years to learn about their analysis process to evaluate the potential for consolidating in order to inform our consolidation process. • Gather published articles related to closing a school. In March 2017, the ad hoc committee retained the services of Dr. William Librera of West Hudson Associates. During the spring, Dr. Librera conducted and completed a study in order to provide the Board of Education with an overview of potential options for the school district as it relates to the potential closing of a building. Dr. Librera presented the results of the study at the Board of Education meeting on May 8, 2017 and again at a presentation on May 22, 2017. Based upon his findings, Dr. Librera presented four options for consideration by the Board of Education members. Those options included: • Repurpose Spruce Run School • Lease Spruce Run School • Sell Spruce Run School • Additional waiting for the possibility of potential changes in demographics and to determine the most feasible course of action. Dr. Librera included the advantages and disadvantages of each of the options, as well as a timetable for action. The ad hoc committee of the Board of Education will continue to meet to discuss the options and determine the next steps. At each Board meeting, an update will be provided to the public as to the information gathered and progress made by the committee members. The district website includes a tab under the Board of Education section which includes the Feasibility of School Closing presentations and any other available information. Year-End Information It is hard to believe that I am completing my first year as the Superintendent of Schools in the Clinton Township School District. While the year was not without challenges, it was also filled with fun and exciting moments with our students and staff. Summer is a time to change the pace and enjoy special moments with family and friends. I would like to wish a happy, safe, relaxing, and healthy summer to our students, faculty and staff members, administrators and Board of Education members. May you enjoy peaceful and memorable times with your family and friends. Thank you, Gina M. Villani, Ed.D Superintendent of Schools A L e t t e r f r o m Gina M. Villani, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools Dear Clinton Township Community Members: Clinton Township School District Mission Statement: 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. t h e C l i n t o n t o W n s h i P F o u n D at i o n F o r e D u C a t i o n a l e x C e l l e n C e Please consider partnering with the Clinton Township Foundation for Educational Excellence by commemorating your child's educational journey with the purchase of a seat! Personalize your inscription in the In Honor Of section to make it extra special! To do so, please visit the Foundation's website: www.ctsdnj.org/resources/ the_clinton_township_foundation_ for_educational_ex. Thank you in advance!

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