Update on Island Avenue Elementary School

Since the process of the district's school facilities study began a few years ago, I have worked to keep Island Avenue School parents informed of each step along the way, particularly when it became very apparent last spring that the closure of Island Avenue School was likely. I have tried to communicate to the Island Avenue parent community in advance of other communications across the entire school community. My goal was always for Island Avenue parents to hear any news first before the rest of the community when it pertained to the future of their school. However, in this instance, I regret that I did not send out a message on Wednesday or Thursday with an update. For that I apologize.

As many of you may have known, the Board of Education intended to vote on the status of Island Avenue School following the failed referendum. Following a comprehensive multi-year study with professional consultants, while all along working collaboratively with town officials, Tuesday night, the Board of Education took action to close Island Avenue School. In their decision they have charged the administration with finalizing a K-12 reconfiguration and redistricting model with a target date of closure to be June 2019.

There is a great deal of work to be done by the administration to ensure a coherent and orderly transition. In the coming months, much more will be determined regarding the details of this process. The decision Tuesday night enables the administration to begin an analysis of the necessary actions to ensure the least disruption to children. Having a target date enables the administration to begin that process.

Like you, we are all saddened by this entire turn of events, from the failed referendum to the point we are at today. Even if the closure does not come as a surprise, that fact does nothing to diminish the feelings we may all have about this matter. I am very sorry.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time with any questions, concerns, or comments. I will do my best to reply immediately.

Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools
Madison Public Schools
Madison, CT 06443
203-245-6320

scaricet@madison.k12.ct.us