Guest Column
Monroe schools chief replies to comments in recent editorial
Ralph P. Ferrie
Guest Column
Monroe schools chief replies to comments in recent editorial
After reading the editorial in your Nov. 20 issue, I felt compelled to respond to many of your comments. It was a pleasure to read that you support new school construction within Monroe Township. However, you do not understand the process followed to develop the current, proposed plan or the challenges the district faces to gain approval for new school facilities.
First, it is important that I emphasize that this proposed plan is not a brainchild of the district administration, Board of Education or municipal leadership. Instead, a group (the Ad Hoc Committee on Growth and Facilities) of approximately 50 individuals representing teachers, administrators, board members, students, parents, community members, representatives from the retirement communities and municipal officials, met extensively to review the defeated 2002 referendum and to design a new proposal. This group identified three specific reasons for the ’02 defeat: the overall cost, the proposed location and the duplication of facilities such as athletic fields.
As the meetings progressed, several committee members asked the administration to explore the possibility of building the proposed new high school on the corner of Perrineville and School House roads in a portion (2.3%) of Thompson Park. This question was explored with representatives from the township, and it was determined that the possibility does exist, if the criteria that is outlined in the Green Acres pre-application packet could be met. After reviewing this issue carefully and reporting back to the ad hoc committee, it was determined to proceed with this proposal. The district’s architects determined that 35 acres would be required for this proposed 1,800-student high school (which can be expanded to 2,700 students).
As a result, and in order to preserve wooded land, the township determined that it could obtain 77 acres that are contiguous to the park to exchange for this proposed grassland location. Through this proposal, Thompson Park (currently 1,526 acres) would grow by 42 acres of land that is habitat-friendly. The township has stated it would relocate the soccer fields into another area in the park.
What is most interesting, and disturbing, is that you wrote the following: "Local officials are also confident they will receive state Green Acres approval, but we’re not sure we want to see the Green Acres program set a precedent of giving back land, diversion or not. New Jersey residents have paid for Green Acres preservation, and they should get just that. Allowing this transaction paves the way for others, and it could open up the door for more of Thompson Park to be used for a school expansion in future years."
First, an approved diversion would not be precedent setting. Just read the article titled "Plan Touted by District, But Blasted by Critics" in the same edition of your newspaper. Green Acres has already approved a land diversion for the Jackson Township Public School District to build an elementary school. Next, it is my understanding that taxpayers did not pay for this portion of the park. It was donated to the county. Finally, we have continually emphasized that the district has no intention of expanding any further into the park than the proposed 35 acres.
It is important to emphasize that we have extensively reviewed several sites throughout the township to build this high school. The impediments that the district faced throughout this process included the location, the impact of wetlands, high-tension lines, gas mains, the presence of rail lines and access to water and sewer. The district is prepared, if initial approval is received from Middlesex County, to address these issues during the Green Acres pre-application process and finally, before the state House Commission.
I know this innovative plan has been met with debate and controversy. However, it is important to listen to both sides of the issue before editorializing before the public. Through balanced reporting, the residents of Monroe will gain the information necessary to make an informed decision. The outcome of this plan will then become a result of the democratic process in Monroe Township on Dec. 9.
Ralph P. Ferrie, Ed.D., is the Monroe Township superintendent of schools