At its regular meeting on January 25, 2007, the West Paterson Board of Education approved a plan for the re-alignment of the district's two elementary schools, to become effective with the next school year beginning September 1, 2007.

As such, students throughout the Borough will be assigned to the district's elementary schools as follows:

  •  Charles Olbon School:      - all students in grades K through 2

  •  Beatrice Gilmore School:  - all students in grades 3 and 4

  •  Memorial School:            - to remain with all students in grades 5 through 8

I wish to thank the many parents and members of the public who took the time necessary to be a part of this conversation and discussion during two public forums held in December and again in January.  This re-alignment will allow the district greater efficiency in its operation, and in turn, the district will be better able to expand and enhance programs targeted to improvement of student achievement.  This will also go a long way to equalizing relative class sizes throughout the district's schools.

 In short order, we will be able to provide you with additional information and details such as school start and dismissal times, transportation changes, and other particulars.

 This re-alignment is but a first step toward changes designed to better meet the needs of your children.  During the months ahead, and in light of the overwhelmingly positive public response to the two forums held, additional public opportunities through forums or forum-type meetings will be planned.

 With what I believe will be a sound elementary structure in place, the district will also continue throughout this school year in its analysis of the overall instructional program and scheduling to be available at the middle school level.  The recently Board-approved minimum times for Language Arts and Mathematics instruction at all grade levels will have a positive impact most significantly at Memorial School.  This added time most notably in Mathematics will greatly assist in reversing the downward trend in student performance and achievement in that subject.

 Again, I thank you for your time which you invested in our public discussions.  By being a part of conversation, you become an important part of the solution in helping our district to ensure that the students of West Paterson reach their highest academic and social potential through the greatest number of opportunities.

 Scott E. Rixford