JACKSON – Amid rumors of additional school closures within the school district that would address budget challenges, enrollment changes, class size inequities, and increasing student needs, school officials are continuing strategic planning for the future.
Another critical factor in consideration is the condition of some of the district’s aging facilities that require analysis.
Recently, there has been rumors that the school district’s two high schools, Jackson Memorial and Jackson Liberty, might consolidate. Jackson social media sites have been filled with posts concerning the possible closure of one of the two high schools and debating, were that to happen, which one should be chosen to close.
This subject was a potential topic to be discussed at a Board of Education meeting held this week (after the deadline of this edition of The Jackson Times).
Board members previously discussed the need for strategic planning during prior BOE meetings noting the importance of prioritizing the district’s needs in the areas of budget, facilities, programs, and student activities.
Governor Phil Murphy’s administration failed to address strong requests to correct Jackson’s state aid funding issues, stating certain school districts should consider the option of closing schools as a means to reduce operational costs.
Rumors have also circulated that the Goetz Middle School and Holman Elementary School might also be potential closure targets leading to parents expressing alarm. However, officials have not confirmed nor denied that such plans are being considered.
While still operating within the limitations of their ongoing funding/budget crisis, district officials have stated their goal was to make several key decisions concerning how to address class size inequities among grade levels, ensure all students have access to the same academic and extra-curricular opportunities as their classmates and to rectify serious facility needs that impact student learning.
They noted that solutions need to be considered within the context of what is best for students; what is possible given the district’s continuing budget crisis; and the conditions and capacities of the district’s facilities.
Administrators will be looking at redistricting enrollment areas where certain neighborhoods attend school. The budget crisis forced the Board of Education to close one of its 10 schools late last summer, the Sylvia Rosenauer Elementary School.
The Township Board of Education was expected to accept sealed bids for the purchase of that school building on December 10.
State Monitor Carole Morris overrode a vote of the township BOE forcing the adoption of its budget that included significant cuts on July 25. The Board had rejected that spending plan on July 17 because it relied on cuts to fill an $18 million deficit.
In addition to closing down the Rosenauer Elementary School, the budget cut 70 positions, eliminated courtesy and late buses and reduced spending on athletic programs.
Superintendent Nicole Pormilli said, “we realize that change is hard. However, our budget constraints and the changing composition of our schools – meaning how many students in certain grades attend schools throughout our very large township – has created inequities that must be addressed in order to be fair to all students.”
Pormilli previously explained that “in light of the drastic financial conditions caused by reductions to our state aid for the past seven years, the district has been forced to navigate changing and challenging waters to keep our academic programs strong and to be able to continue to offer enriching extra-curricular and athletic opportunities to students.”
“It’s time to raise our sails and navigate a new course for the Jackson School District,” she added. “Together we will steer our ship to ensure our students and community have strong schools that are sustainable for future years.’’
Pormilli added, “we have a strong foundation, but in light of funding challenges and changing needs of students, statewide difficulties maintaining and filling positions and just trying overall to do more with less, the district needs to do some strategic planning to address budget, facilities, curriculum, instruction, assessment, co-curricular activities and student needs.”
She added that the school district would provide updates to the public as plans developed further.
