As the spring season approaches, there is much taking place between the district, our staff and community stakeholders. The district is currently embarking on an elementary school realignment. Several district realignment scenarios have been discussed throughout my tenure as Superintendent of Schools but I truly believe that grade based schools will only improve the quality of our students education. This is a major cultural shift for our students, staff and parents alike but if we partner together it will be a positive and successful change. Aside from the realignment next year, Hackettstown High School will hopefully see a completed auditorium renovation by January 2020. In addition, next year the district will no longer operate on a 90-minute delay and will instead operate on a 2-hour delay schedule when inclement weather arrives or for emergency purposes. Last, but certainly not least, Hackettstown will be on the November 5, 2019 ballot with an extension of the debt-service question for the purpose of facility upgrades which include full roof replacement at Hatchery Hill School and partial roof replacements at Hackettstown Middle School and Hackettstown High School.
Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions which have been discussed and shared at our public Board of Education meetings. Going forward, I ask that as community members, you partner with our district during this transition and when possible, become active participants at our public Board of Education meetings. Please join us at our May 8, 2019 Joint Principal Forum at Willow Grove School to discuss the realignment. It will begin at 6:30 pm. We hope to see you there.
Hackettstown 2019-2020 Realignment – FAQ and Answers
Will transportation be provided?
Yes, for any student that resides outside a two-mile radius from either Hatchery Hill School or Willow Grove School.
Approximately how many buses will be required?
Two to three buses will be required.
Approximately how many students will require transportation?
Roughly 105 students not including next year’s eligible Kindergarten students.
What is the approximate cost of transportation?
$40,000 per route: 2 buses=$80,000 and 3 buses=$120,000
Is courtesy busing, subscription busing or shuttle busing going to be offered?
Not at this time.
What will be the student enrollment at each building with the realignment?
Hatchery Hill School will have approximately 270 students while Willow Grove School will have 340 students.
What are the start and end times of each building?
Currently the start and end times are listed in the table below. Please know they are subject to change based on contract negotiations currently taking place.
Hackettstown Public Schools Bell Schedule
What are the highlights of this elementary realignment?
Introduction of two inclusive Pre-School programs
Hatchery Hill School will become an early learning childhood facility
Willow Grove School will exemplify a primary school environment
More efficient use of resources, time and preparation at all grade levels
New elective program offering in K-4 buildings– i.e. Mindfulness, Computer Science (expanded) and STEM
Additional Special Education Programs
The next few months will move by very quickly so below is an update as to what you can expect at future Board of Education meetings which commence at 7 pm:
April 17th Hackettstown Public Board of Education Meeting
General
May 1st Hackettstown Public Board of Education Meeting
19-20 Budget Hearing
May 15th Hackettstown Public Board of Education Meeting
Teacher of the Year recognition
Teacher Retirement Recognition
June 19th Hackettstown Public Board of Education Meeting
2018-2019 District Goals Update
June 25th Hackettstown Middle School 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony to begin at 7 pm.
June 26th Last Day of School for students. The Hackettstown High School Graduation Ceremony to
commence at 5:00 pm
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all community members a relaxing spring season and a safe and enjoyable summer
Sincerely,
David C. Mango
David C. Mango Superintendent of Schools
Great Meadows Regional and Hackettstown School Districts
