Remember When:Board to hire long-range consultant

Article from July 07, 2012 in CT Post.

MILFORD ---- The city's public school system is to see its enrollment drop by about 100 students a year over the next 10 years.

This will mean that changes are needed. To lead that effort, the Board of Education is expected to hire a consultant at its meeting set for 7 p.m. Monday in the Parsons Complex on River Street. The consultant would work with the board over the next few months to help it create a long-range plan.

School officials say the current enrollment of 6,814 will drop by about 14 percent, or 1,000 pupils, by 2022.

Assistant Superintendent Michael Cummings said school closings will not likely be recommended. The system has eight elementary schools, three middle school, two high school and one alternative high school.

"The enrollment projections have sparked some concern over the need to develop a long-range plan, and given that backdrop, and their main concern is what must be done to develop the best educational system for our kids," Cummings said. "The enrollment projections do provide us with an opportunity to do some things, and this will also be a good time to examine our work, too."

Cummings said that while closings aren't likely, the consultant will explore how to best use the schools. The person hired will consider various options for groupings based on grade level and geography, as well as assess the physical plant.

"The consultant will be conducting public hearings and will talk with all of the stake-holders before writing a final report," Cummings said.

The board began looking for a consultant in May, when it established its Long Range Committee, which includes board members Susan Glennon,Chairwoman Tracy Casey, Dr. Mark Stapleton, School Superintendent Elizabeth Feserand Cummings.