Elementary Schools Redistricting Put On Hold In Princeton For 2023-24

PRINCETON, NJ — Anticipating growing enrollment in the school district, Princeton schools had planned to redistrict elementary schools. But that plan has currently been put on hold.

In a message to the school community on Tuesday, Superintendent Carol Kelley said that all plans have been put on hold until after the 2023-24 school year.

“As we navigate increasing enrollment pressures across our district especially at the elementary levels, I wanted to thank you all for your time and thoughtful attention. Every decision we make is with the best interests of our students, our children, in mind. As a mother of two, I certainly understand how important it is to foster a love of learning along with a sense of community and stability. In an effort to minimize disruption, and to successfully manage transition, we will pause on moving any students between our schools for the 2023-2024 school year while we partner with our school community on how to best move forward with long-range planning for 2024-2025 and beyond,” Kelley said.

District officials will be hosting community meetings throughout spring to share ideas and solicit feedback on future enrollment solutions, Kelley said.

“I look forward to partnering with you as we face this challenge together as one community. I will be sharing more information soon,” she said.

According to the five-year projections in the demographic report presented last month, enrollment is expected to peak at 4,154 by the 2027-2028 school year. The number of students expected at PPS is estimated to be 460 — with 250 of those in elementary schools. More: How Will New Housing Projects Affect Enrollment At Princeton Schools?

During the March 21 Board meeting, Kimberly Tew, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and instruction presented various scenarios to redistricting. Once such scenario included moving elementary school students to different school through fifth grade.

District officials also recommended shifting Institute of Advanced Study students to Johnson Park Elementary School and new students coming in the fall would be sent to Riverside Elementary.

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