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Liberty Middle School Construction Progress is 15% Complete!
PROUD HISTORY
PROUD HISTORY
WHY NOW?
WHY NOW?
Little Ferry Public Schools has a proud history of serving the community. But, even before it suffered extensive flooding from Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the 109-year-old Washington School was in need of repairs. In 2017, the district invested more than $130,000 in repairs to extend the life of the building, and yet serious structural problems made the building unsafe.
The district’s architects estimated in 2018 that the building would need $8.3 million in repairs, not including the $26.6 million addition it would require to support current space needs. Costs could be higher in today’s market.
Even if the district spent the millions of dollars in estimated costs to make necessary repairs, Washington School no longer had the space required to meet the needs of the student population and the lower levels of the building were still prone to flooding.
Even if the district spent the millions of dollars in estimated costs to make necessary repairs, Washington School no longer had the space required to meet the needs of the student population and the lower levels of the building were still prone to flooding.
A NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
A NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
Building a new school would position the district to better serve students, and the community, for many years to come. Once the new building is constructed, the Board plans to move all elementary students into Memorial School, which would allow enough space to accommodate the growing preschool population.
A new middle school, to house students in grades six through eight, constructed on the site of the former Washington School would provide:
Safety and accessibility features so the building is welcoming to every student, staff member and visitor
Flexible spaces designed to meet current educational standards and practices and
Three floors to maximize space while maintaining current footprint
Classrooms designed for collaboration and hands-on learning
Spaces for small-group instruction
Unique rooftop recreation area in addition to a recreation area behind the building
A full kitchen to serve the population at both schools with a variety of meal choices for students
A gym that would also be available for community activities and events
Efficient, modern systems that support a healthy environment for students and staff
WHY NOT A HIGH SCHOOL?
WHY NOT A HIGH SCHOOL?
Building a new high school is not included in this proposal as the Little Ferry Board of Education is focused on the immediate situation facing the district.
A high school facility would require additional area beyond the available lot to meet current NJ Department of Education standards, provide more parking, appropriate outdoor space, and a larger building than what is currently planned. Additional expenses beyond the cost of constructing a new facility would be needed and a high school at this location would have a negative impact on traffic.
While the district will continue exploring options for high-schoolers, the primary focus remains on continuing to provide a free preschool program and addressing the urgent need for getting the kindergarten and elementary students out of the modular units and into Memorial School. To accomplish this, the district needs a new school to house grades six through eight.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
A stable operating budget, state funding and potential rental revenue are all considered in this plan built on fiscal responsibility.
Little Ferry has carefully managed a stable operating budget, consistently paying off debt. Prudent fiscal stewardship has positioned the district to borrow for future-focused improvements. Unlike consumer debt, school districts gain a distinct advantage from borrowing: state aid that can’t come to Little Ferry any other way.
In early 2023, the state awarded Little Ferry Public Schools a grant for free, all-day preschool expansion. This grant applies to staffing and expenses, but not creating new space. Improving and expanding the preschool program in Memorial School makes the best use of the state grant and prepares the district’s youngest learners for future success.
Modular classrooms currently used for kindergarten through second grade classes are district-owned. They will continue to house these classes during construction of the new building and would provide income as rental units after the middle school building opens and is in use.
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