MONROE, CT — Residents can express their opinions on potential school space solutions as the Board of Education’s Ad Hoc District Facilities Committee reviews scenarios for the town to meet the needs of its rapidly growing student population.
Superintendent Joseph Kobza released a short community survey allowing participants to rank criteria of what’s most important to them, from access to programing and climate and culture to the operating costs.
They can choose what they believe to be the best use of Monroe’s elementary schools, and which of the two scenarios the committee is considering is the better option. One question allows for written comments, questions and concerns.
To participate in the Monroe Public Schools’ Facility Study Survey, click here. Responses will be collected until April 7.
“The Ad Hoc District Facilities Committee, a subcommittee of the Board of Education, is charged with evaluating the strengths and challenges of our school buildings to recommend future site configurations and renovations,” Kobza wrote in a letter to families.
“Established in response to space constraints, particularly at the elementary level where growing enrollment has led to the use of non-instructional areas for classrooms, the committee anticipates similar challenges at the middle and high school levels in the years ahead,” he said.
As of October 1, 2024, Monroe Public Schools enrolled 3,456 students, with a projected increase to 4,099 students by the 2034-35 school year, according to Kobza, who said this highlights the need for long-term planning and solutions.
Throughout the process, Kobza and Board of Education Chairman David Ferris, who also chairs the facilities committee, promised there would be public input before any major decisions are made.
“Your feedback is crucial in helping the committee formulate its recommendation to the Board of Education,” Kobza said. “We appreciate your participation in this survey.”
Options the committee is considering:
