Committee Members Sought For Cranford School Reimagining Plan

CRANFORD, NJ - The Reimagining Cranford Public Schools survey has winnowed the 10 proposed options down to two and the next step is forming a committee of community members to explore the options.

According to Superintendent Scott Rubin, the district is in its initial planning for a referendum that considers funding for proposed enhancements including:

• full-day Kindergarten
• increased educational support spaces
• science lab (CHS) upgrades
• modernization of library/multimedia centers to support 21st Century STEM programs
• technology upgrades
• enhanced performing arts spaces
• improved accessibility and options
• installation of AC in gyms, cafeterias, and performing arts spaces
• electrical service upgrades (all schools except for WAS which has already been upgraded)
• door (interior) and window replacements, including hardware
• repaving, masonry and concrete repairs

This next step comes after a year-long plan that involved community stakeholders that included:

• Approximately 20 informational town hall-style meetings
• Public board meeting presentations
• Administration of a community-wide online survey

Rubin noted that he is extremely proud of the tireless collaborative efforts of the Board of Education and the entire Cranford community and the next step is forming a CPSD Referendum Exploration Steering Committee.

This communitywide stakeholder group who will serve to inform, guide and, ultimately, shape a referendum, Rubin said. Rubin also noted that additional busing is not an option for consideration by the committee and will not be a part of this referendum process.

"Important to our purpose, the Committee will be comprised of approximately 25-30 members who comprehensively represent the collective perspectives, opinions, concerns, and desires for the Cranford schools," Rubin said. "Parents/guardians, teachers, support staff, administrators, community members, and students. To this end, on behalf of the Cranford Public School District, it is with great excitement that I invite your participation as a member of the Referendum Exploration Steering Committee."

Rubin said that the initial meeting of this Committee will take place in early October, at which time a specific schedule of activities and action items will be collaboratively determined by the committee. It is anticipated that a total of 3-4 evening work sessions between 7-8:30 p.m. and will be scheduled during the period of October through December, Rubin said.

Those interested in participating should fill out the online form.

"Forms will be due by Tuesday, Sept. 24," Rubin said. "Please be advised that if we receive more than 30 requests for participation on the Referendum Exploration Steering Committee, selections will be based on ensuring full representation of the community, geographically and ideologically, with preference given to those who are in leadership positions and those actively involved in our community."

Rubin said that any individuals who are not selected for the Steering Committee will still have additional opportunities to participate in the process, as will the community at large.

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