School Utilization Update

Greetings Island Avenue School Parents,

This afternoon I will be sending out a district-wide eNotify for parents with an update regarding the school utilization study of our facilities conducted by the Board of Education. As a courtesy to Island Avenue parents, I wanted to send this message to the Island Avenue School community prior to sending out to the entire district.

As you are aware, the BOE is in the process of adopting a long-term facilities plan to modernize our school buildings and address a declining student population. Last night, the BOE voted forward a plan to be reviewed by the Boards of Selectmen and Finance. If this plan is approved, the town will hold a referendum in early fall, perhaps late September, to secure financing for the projects.

The BOE adopted plan calls for the construction of a new 333 student capacity Ryerson School on the property adjacent to the current school with the goal of opening in September 2020. The current facility would be removed. In addition, a complete "renovate as new" project would be submitted for approval to the town and state in 2019 for Jeffrey School. The goal would be to open this fully renovated facility in September 2022. Yet to be finalized are the student transitions for swing space during the renovation period, and final student redistricting following this period.

If the projects remain on this schedule, Island Avenue School would close following the 2021-2022 school year.

This is the first formal decision made in this process and there are many additional steps that must take place in order for this long-term plan to stay on track. I will continue to keep you posted on developments as they surface.

As always, do not hesitate to contact me at any time with questions or concerns.

Regards,

Thomas Scarice

Superintendent of Schools

Madison Public Schools

203-245-6320