under consideration
for new middle schoolCorrespondent
Officials say three lots
under consideration
for new middle school
Correspondent
MILLSTONE — The search for property for a new middle school was the main topic of discussion at the Board of Education meeting Aug. 26.
Superintendent Dr. William J. Setaro and board member Tom Foley presented the strategic planning report. Dr. Setaro reviewed the education plan and projected student population, while Foley discussed the search for a new school location.
Setaro reported that the goals of the education plan were to improve student achievement, provide optimal space for education, and provide a safe environment for students and staff.
Setaro also outlined the objectives for achieving the goals of the education plan. Enhancing the present kindergarten program by expanding to full time rather than part time, providing a comprehensive special education program, allowing for spaces for specialized programs (remedial education, English as a Second Language, technology, world languages), and providing additional programs for the visual and performing arts were objectives listed to improve student achievement.
One objective for the goal regarding optimal space for education included providing ample classrooms. This would eliminate programs on mobile carts that shuffle from room to room and would lower average class size. A new auditorium and additional recreational space would also benefit students and the community.
In order to provide a safe environment the district communication system needs improvement as well as improved parking and traffic flow at each building, officials said, adding that the security system throughout the district can be improved.
Foley reported that the board has been working with the township for the past two years to identify viable land to build a new school or schools. After identifying available, nonrestricted land, letters were sent to 20 homeowners. Of the 20, five responded with a willingness to sell.
The board looked at each lot, as well as others identified by the township. The choice has been narrowed to three lots: the first is Showplace Farms on Route 33; the second is a large piece of property at the intersection of Stagecoach and Charleston Springs roads; and the third parcel is across from the municipal building on Millstone Road.
Although Board President Linda O’Reilly stated that no final decision has been made on which parcel, and said "all lots will be considered," board officials told the Township Committee in a public meeting last month that the lot at Stagecoach and Charleston Springs roads was their top choice.
Residents from Stagecoach Road voiced their disapproval with the Stagecoach location. They said current roads would need to be torn up and widened, changing the appearance of the area forever.
Currently, the average class size in grades 3-7 falls between 25-27 students, according to elementary school principal Laura Vetere and middle school principal Daniel Bland.
Space in the middle school is at a premium. Throughout the day there are some periods where there are no free rooms available.
In-school suspension has to be rotated from room to room.
At best one period has two free rooms available. An additional classroom has been set up in the library to help relieve the overload. Recommended class size is between 20-22. Enrollment for 2002 grades K-8 is 1,687.
It is projected that by 2005 that number will be 1,914. State mandates require a specific number of square feet per elementary student. If the board’s projections are correct, in 2005, it was reported there would be 907 "unhoused" students according to state guidelines.
In 2007 Millstone will be up for state review, and every student must be "housed" by that time, officials said.
In response to the space crunch, school officials have said that they intend to hold a referendum in March to ask for funds to buy property and construct a new middle school.
Board members have said that in order to support the middle school and leave open the future possibility for the township to build a high school on the same site, the board will need 100 buildable acres.