On Monday, September 12th, the District hosted a community meeting to present key aspects of the VISION 2026 Strategic Plan. The primary topic for the evening focused on infrastructure, facilities, and finance. We thank the 75+ participants for their time, attention, and questions. We have included the presentation and frequently asked questions for your review. Additional opportunities to participate will be forthcoming.
VISION 2026 COMMUNITY MEETING:
INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES, & FINANCE
September 12, 2022
Community Presentation Slides: Click Here
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of funding from the state can support construction/updates?
The District-approved Architect will submit a plan to the State to determine how much aid will be provided. This information will be shared with the community when known.
Can you share more about what will go into the Good Shepherd and specifically what spaces will free up in each school?
Initial use of the building will consist of district support services. Once access has been obtained, the district will determine which services are most appropriate to be relocated to the Good Shepherd facility to free up educational spaces in schools. Further community engagement will take place to determine long-term building needs and usage.
Knights Park is an insufficient place for athletics. Where are we going to develop turf facilities?
In partnership with the Borough, the District Infrastructure, Facilities, and Finance Action Team will review all existing school-owned properties to determine which field surfaces are most appropriate to recommend for future investment.
Would this school house overflow from other schools? or would this be used for Board offices and extra services that the schools provide?
Beginning in October, further community engagement will take place to determine long-term building needs and usage.
What is the cost of the lease?
The lease document will become public once approved by the Collingswood Board of Education.
In leasing the building, did we put in the contract the opportunity to be the first to be able to buy the building? How much is it estimated to purchase the Good Shepherd?
This provision is addressed in the lease which will become public once approved by the Collingswood Board of Education.
How would the district decide which area to prioritize in terms of space? For example, how would the district weigh providing additional space to the pre-k program vs. special education classrooms (just as an example)?
Beginning in October, further community engagement will take place to determine long-term building needs and usage. Community member feedback will be used to inform the formal proposal package to be presented to the public.
I'm wondering if there are positions in the school system that can be done from home to help out with the space situation. I know that does not address the need for student classrooms, but maybe some creative thinking around space and remote work would be great too.
This is a promising innovative practice that needs further investigation. As with most school districts across the country, Collingswood and Oaklyn Public Schools will work collaboratively with its collective bargaining units to determine what practices and policies might be adopted to support hybrid or remote work.
Could you go into a little bit more detail about the athletics facilities (meeting NCAA standards, etc) and what that means for the future of the athletic fields behind the high school?
Currently, we lack athletic facilities consistent with many of our neighboring towns and conference competitors. Several of our facilities also do not meet the standards needed to host conference tournaments. This often presents our students with a competitive disadvantage. In partnership with the Borough, the District Infrastructure, Facilities, and Finance Action Team will work to determine long-term needs and usage. Community member feedback will also be used to inform the formal proposal package to be presented to the public.
Can districts hold capital campaigns to raise funds for facilities?
Yes but school districts must abide by the following State rules and regulations:
Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 19:25-1.7, a political committee is defined as follows:
Any group of two or more persons acting jointly, or any corporation, partnership, or any other incorporated or unincorporated association, which is organized to, or does, aid or promote the nomination, election, or defeat of any candidate or candidates for public office, or which is organized to, or does aid or promote the passage or defeat of a public question in any election if the persons, corporation, partnership, or incorporated or unincorporated association raises or expends $ 2,800 or more to so aid or promote the nomination, election, or defeat of a candidate or candidates or the passage or defeat of a public question.
Has a feasibility study been performed to analyze new construction/additions onto existing school buildings vertically rather than taking new land SF?
Due to the advanced age of our elementary schools, the District will need to work closely with the Architect of Record to determine the feasibility of additions to existing buildings. The information will be shared with the community when known.
Can we share athletic facilities with neighboring towns?
At this moment in time, neighboring towns are also seeking additional facilities to support athletics, recreation, the arts, and community spaces.
Will this allow us to revisit turf fields and updated athletic facilities?
Beginning in October, further community engagement will take place to determine long-term needs and usage. Community member feedback will be used to inform the formal proposal package to be presented to the public.
More specific. Most elementary schools are single or split level. Is going up an existing structure option?
Due to the advanced age of our elementary schools, the District will need to work closely with the Architect of Record to determine the feasibility of additions to existing buildings. The information will be shared with the community when known.
What would be the possible time frame to implement actual use of the Diocese of Camden property?
Initial use of the building will consist of district support services. Once access has been obtained, the district will determine which services are most appropriate to be relocated to the Good Shepherd facility. Further community engagement will take place to determine long-term building needs and usage.
How many more elementary students are enrolled this year than pre-COVID?
The NJ DOE district capacity for Collingswood preschool to grade 5 is 715 students. Current enrollment in preschool to grade 5 is 947 students. (232 students over capacity) The 2019 District Enrollment Projections Findings Report indicates that we have been over capacity prior to 2014 and will continue to exceed capacity through 2029 and beyond.
With the various needs across the district, what would GSS become in terms of needs? Would it become a new elementary school? How would this facility help space issues at CMS and CHS?
Beginning in October, further community engagement will take place to determine long-term needs and usage. Community member feedback will be used to inform the formal proposal package to be presented to the public.
What is the status of assessing the feasibility and cost of bringing the ES schools up to ADA compliance? Is that something that can be done and will be budgeted for and if so, what is the timeline? If not, what is the workaround?
Due to the advanced age of our elementary schools, the District will need to work closely with the Architect of Record to determine the feasibility of additions to existing buildings. The information will be shared with the community when known.