Dear Cranford Community Member,

I hope this correspondence finds you well.

As you may already be aware, the Cranford Public School District (CPSD) is currently engaged in its initial planning for a referendum that will finance programmatic and capital improvements across our schools. This initial planning considers funding for proposed enhancements including: 

• full-day Kindergarten

• increased educational support spaces 

• science lab (CHS) upgrades

• modernization of library/multimedia centers to support 21st Century STEM programs

• technology upgrades

• enhanced performing arts spaces

• improved accessibility and options

• installation of AC in gyms, cafeterias, and performing arts spaces

• electrical service upgrades (all schools except for WAS which has already been upgraded)

• door (interior) and window replacements, including hardware

• repaving, masonry and concrete repairs 

Throughout the 2018-2019 school year, we took initial steps to involve all community stakeholders and ensure that the voices of all members of the Cranford community are reflected in our referendum efforts, including:

• Approximately 20 informational town hall-style meetings

• Public board meeting presentations

• Administration of a community-wide online survey

Needless to say, I am extremely proud of the tireless collaborative efforts of our Board of Education and the entire Cranford community. 

To advance these efforts, the District is forming the CPSD Referendum Exploration Steering Committee, a communitywide stakeholder group who will serve to inform, guide and, ultimately, shape a referendum.  Please note, as determined by the survey, additional busing is not an option for consideration by the committee and will not be a part of this referendum process.

Important to our purpose, the Committee will be comprised of approximately 25-30 members who comprehensively represent the collective perspectives, opinions, concerns, and desires for the Cranford schools -- parents/guardians, teachers, support staff, administrators, community members, and students. To this end, on behalf of the Cranford Public School District, it is with great excitement that I invite your participation as a member of the Referendum Exploration Steering Committee. The initial meeting of this Committee will take place in early October, at which time a specific schedule of activities and action items will be collaboratively determined by the committee. It is anticipated that a total of 3-4 evening work sessions (7-8:30 pm) will be scheduled during the period of October through December. 

If you are interested in participating, please complete this online form. Forms will be due by Tuesday, September 24. Please be advised that if we receive more than 30 requests for participation on the Referendum Exploration Steering Committee, selections will be based on ensuring full representation of the community, geographically and ideologically, with preference given to those who are in leadership positions and those actively involved in our community.  Please be assured that any individuals who are not selected for the Steering Committee will still have additional opportunities to participate in the process, as will the community at large.

In our efforts to make sure everyone in the community is aware of this opportunity, we are also sending this correspondence to Patch, TapInto, Westfield Leader, and TV 35. We also ask that if you happen to know someone who you think would be a good candidate for this committee, please share this correspondence with them. 

In closing, please know your participation will be of great value to this important initiative. I do hope for and encourage your engagement. 

Best,

Scott Rubin