|
Schechter Life | Lower School
SSDSEU Announces Consolidation of Lower School Campuses
The Administration and Board of Trustees of Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union announced on April 10, 2008 plans to consolidate its two Lower School campuses in Cranford and West Orange at the West Orange Lower School campus.
After substantial effort over a period of years, and targeted interventions and due diligence during many months, the professional and lay leadership of SSDSEU made the determination that the Cranford Lower School building will not reopen for students beginning with the 2008-09 school year.
“The decision to close the Cranford building was not an easy one,” said SSDSEU Board President Mark Lederman. It is a response to the shifting demographics in Union County and the surrounding area. Cranford campus enrollment has seen a significant decline over the past 10 years, from 141 students enrolled for the 1998/99 school year, to a projected 53 in 2008/09. “Consolidation of our lower school campuses will allow for continuing financial sustainability as well as educational viability of our school,” said Mr. Lederman, adding, “We will continue to attract students from all communities in the region as we have done throughout our history.” Mr. Lederman and his family live in Somerset County.
“Although we have reached a significant decision regarding use of our property, our commitment to current and future students in Union County has not been diminished,” said SSDSEU Head of School Dr. Joyce Raynor. Students who planned to enroll in our Cranford campus for the 2008-09 academic year have been offered placement at the West Orange Lower School campus. Recognizing that transportation is a critical factor, the SSDSEU Board of Trustees has made a commitment to make transportation plans that will suit students’ needs to the greatest extent possible.
“We appreciate the support of the Jewish Federation of Central NJ, the JCC of Central NJ, local synagogues, and the hard work of lay leaders and professionals who reached out to prospective families to help increase enrollment,” said Dr. Raynor. “We are proud of the dedication shown by so many families, faculty and students through the years, and appreciate the difficulties that accompany this type of transition,” she said, adding that SSDSEU is committed to do all that is possible to meet the needs of students, families, faculty and staff who are most immediately affected by the current circumstances.
Throughout our school’s 43 year history, SSDSEU has operated in many different venues. From its humble beginnings at Beth Shalom in Union, to its various temporary campuses, to its newly-renovated Eric F. Ross campus on Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange, students have learned – and continue to learn - in all kinds of settings. According to Dr. Raynor, regardless of any particular classroom or building footprint, SSDSEU has held steadfast to its commitment to Jewish education, instilling in students Jewish values, and SSDSEU’s dedication to excellence in academics.
Principal’s Message
Lower School Happenings
Academics
Student Services
Beyond the Classroom
Library
Lunch Program
The Spark
Conferences
|
