Updated: Middle School Consolidation, Redistricting Will Proceed

Acting Superintendent Mary Anne Butler said Friday that Groton is proceeding with plans to consolidate middle schools and redistrict, but still has concerns about whether the redistricting plan addresses the racial imbalance.

In a briefing to the Board of Education posted on the school department website Friday, Butler said school leaders met as a group on May 8, then met with principals.

“The administrators were assured the immediate work at central office will center and move forward both the middle school consolidation and redistricting,” she said in the memo.

Butler was named acting superintendent on Monday, after Superintendent Paul Kadri was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

According to her briefing memo, administrators held two meetings to discuss redistricting, and contacted the lawyer for the Connecticut State Department of Education.

 “Concerns still exist about (redistricting) option 8 addressing the racial imbalance at Catherine Kolnaski Magnet and S. B. Butler Elementary School,” the memo said.

“Follow up meetings will be scheduled next week to continue work on redistricting plans including staffing assignments, personnel issues, programs, the future use of Fitch Middle School, and the professional development for administrators during the summer,” the memo said.

At Fitch Middle School, Principal Robert Pendolphi, Butler, a technology specialist and others met to plan specifics of moving the middle school.

Pendolphi will instruct teachers to pack their desks and other supplies they need, such as science equipment, the memo said. Extra materials, like unopened paper, will remain in the rooms for collection, the memo said.

Furniture, including bookcases, will stay until crews decide which items should go to West Side Middle School and what should go to Cutler Middle School.

“Student records and health records will be transferred to the new buildings according to the normal protocol but on a larger scale,” the memo said. “These transfers will be handled by the school secretary and nurse respectively.”

Middle school principals are still working on the schedule, and will meet shortly with teachers who were working earlier with Paul Kadri on the schedule.

 A draft schedule is expected to be done in two weeks.

Butler’s memo said meetings were also held with unions representing teachers and other staff to ensure “a smooth transition,” and discuss staffing, schedules and other upcoming work. The groups will continue to meet weekly.

The superintendent’s phone calls, electronic mail and mail were redirected to Butler’s office on May 8.

Mary Anne Butler, acting superintendent of Groton Public Schools, posted this message to parents Friday:

"As you are aware, I have been appointed by the board of education as acting superintendent of schools effective May 7, 2012. You may be familiar with me in my previous role of assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Be assured I, along with the strong leadership team, will guide the district through this transition period.

This week, I have been meeting with the district building principals, central office cabinet and also board of education members with the focal point on teaching and learning.

Please know that we are diligently working on the middle school consolidation plans, middle school schedules and redistricting plans. As soon as we have finalized information available, you will be notified. We understand and appreciate your anxiety, and ask for your support and forbearance at this time of transition. The quality education of your children is of utmost importance to us.

Plans are underway for the smooth closure of this school year and the seamless opening of the 2012-13 school year. If you would like further details of the work accomplished this week, please visit the district website and review my board briefing dated May 11, 2012.

Please do not hestitate to call my office or e-mail me if you have any questions or concerns."

Sincerely,

Mary Anne Butler