Some Thoughts On School

Population Growth

(The following letter to the Newtown Board of Education has been received for publication.)

To the members of the Board of Education:

I would like to share my thoughts with you concerning school population growth. While you may not be able to envision with absolute clarity future circumstances that will develop, there are steps that can and should be taken to prepare Newtown for these uncertainties.

To begin, let’s make several assumptions.

1. The town will continue to grow in population because land is still available for housing.

2. Our proximity to New York, Stamford, etc, is a feasible distance for commuters, and our schools are excellent.

3. School population like overall population increases and economic downturns have historically been cyclical, making projections subject to error.

4. Land is finite and land values will continue to rise even if unevenly.

5. Long-range planning is less expensive than short-term solutions.

6. The commitment by town officials to spend public money to spur economic development will accelerate population growth.

Long-range Planning: Execute an architectural study to determine the location and footprint of a large 2,400-pupil high school at Fairfield Hills.

Short-term Planning: 1. Adopt an educational plan to serve a 500-pupil school. 2. Retain an architect to develop plans for a 500-pupil school at FFH that is expandable to 2,400 if the need arises and funds are available. 3. Include the indoor pool and large gym as requested by the Park and Recreation Dept. 4. If possible, utilize Bridgeport Hall as a cafeteria as a cost-saving measure. 5. Prepare a cost analysis to show:

a. Utilizing FFH saves costs of a large septic system, water well, and expensive land acquisition.

b. Incorporating the pool and gym utilizes state funds.

c. Administrative costs for a second high school are cost effective when a. and b. are considered and the necessity for administrative personnel exists even if a freestanding building were added to the present high school.

d. Yearly, evaluate the advantages of a small school versus a large comprehensive school so that future expansion is based on experience with both a large and small high school.

I’m sure I have not included every consideration, but I believe these suggestions warrant your careful consideration.

In closing, citizens must support your decision and be allowed to vote on it. The plans you chose must be educationally sound, affordable, and expandable. The future is here!

Sincerely,

Ruby Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill, Sandy Hook                                February 27, 2006