Cranford School Referendum Steering Committee Set

CRANFORD, NJ - The next phase in the development of the reimagining of the Cranford Schools is moving forward as the steering committee has been assembled, according to Superintendent Scott Rubin.

The group was winnowed down from 160 applicants. Rubin's complete update is below:

"I hope this correspondence finds you well. I am following up on my original email which solicited participation on the CPSD Referendum Exploration Steering Committee, a communitywide stakeholder group who will serve to inform, guide and, ultimately, shape a referendum. As mentioned previously, this initial planning will consider 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

In order to assist in this process, the District has partnered with TMI, the same company that facilitated the strategic planning process. We thought it would be helpful to have a third party lead the process and since we received such tremendously positive feedback from all members who participated in the strategic planning process, we have asked TMI to facilitate the Referendum Exploration Steering Process as well, including helping to select the Referendum Exploration Steering Committee Members.

We received approximately 160 responses to our inquiry asking for interested community members. The overall quality and extensive contributions to the community represented across the information provided was beyond impressive; Cranford is truly a community that cares. Needless to say, this also made the selection of individual participants extremely challenging. In the end, participants were selected 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 the community.
Here is the list of individuals who will make up the Referendum Exploration Steering Committee:

• Christopher Acosta
• Daniel Aschenbach
• Richard Belluscio
• Peter Billows
• Christopher Chapman
• Frederic Faulkner
• Lisa Ford
• Patrick Giblin
• Christine Hoffman
• Richard Hurley
• Jessica Kelly
• Marcy Kielczynski
• Michael Klimko
• Rita LaBrutto
• Matthew Lubin
• Colleen McDonald
• Tracy McSweeney
• Stacy Nick
• Patricia Pavlak
• David Pringle
• Vicki Priscoe-Spurr
• Amy Saccone
• Nicole Savino Mulcahy
• Megan Scanielo
• Susan Shaw
• Sharon Steele
• Lauren Whitmore
• Andrea Yurcision
• Mark Zucker

These individuals will join the following at-large members who will provide assistance and resources throughout the process: Scott Rubin, Superintendent; Brian Heineman, Assistant Superintendent; Robert Carfagno, Business Administrator; Kurt Petschow, Board President; Lisa Carbone, Board Vice-President. Please note that the committee will also include student representation.

Although the committee will help steer the referendum process, there will be additional opportunities for those individuals who volunteered, but unfortunately, were not selected for the steering committee, as well as for the general public to be involved in the process. Please also know that agendas and minutes of the meetings will be released publicly so that everyone can be a part of the process.

In closing, please know that your continued engagement is encouraged and appreciated.

Best,

Scott Rubin"

This update comes on the heels of a lengthy period of community meetings and listening sessions designed to engage the public in the process.

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