Petition to the Chatham Board of Education
Subject: Send/Receive Contract with Harding Township Public School

To:
Ann Ciccarelli (B), President
Susan Ross (T), Vice President
Chris Delsandro (B)
Jill Critchley Weber (B)
Michael Ryan (B)
Bradley Smith (T)
Lata Kenney (T)
Sally Allen (T)
Yinglu Zhang (T)

(B = Borough Resident | T = Township Resident)

From:
Stephen Healey
31 Lindsley Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 (Mailing Address)
New Vernon, NJ 07976 (Physical Address)
Contact: 908-377-1414
Email: shealey@remax.net

 

 
 

Rationale:
We, the undersigned, urge the Chatham Board of Education to discontinue discussions regarding a potential send/receive relationship with Harding Township School. We understand that the Harding Board of Education has expressed interest in sending their 9th-12th grade students to Chatham High School. However, we believe the Chatham Board must prioritize the needs of Chatham Borough and Township students over external partnerships.

Historical Context:
For over 50 years, Harding Township students have attended Madison High School, with the current contract dating back to the 1974-75 school year. The existing agreement, set to expire on June 30, 2026, has fostered long-term cooperation and integration between Harding and Madison. Discontinuing this relationship in favor of a send/receive contract with Chatham would not only disrupt a well-established bond but also negatively impact both Harding and Chatham communities.

Historical Collaboration:
Harding students have been integral to Madison High School’s student body for decades. They’ve become deeply embedded in youth programs, sports, and extracurricular activities, which have naturally strengthened as these students transition to high school. Incorporating Harding students into Chatham would take years to build a similar level of collaboration and integration, if it could even be achieved.

Community Support:
At the August 26, 2024 Harding Board of Education meeting, there was an unprecedented turnout of over 150 participants. Of the 38 speakers, 35 expressed strong support for renewing the Madison contract, with only one favoring a change to Chatham. Moreover, Madison Superintendent Danielle Shanley and Board President Sarah Fischer have publicly voiced their commitment to continuing the partnership.

In contrast, at the 9/16/2024 Chatham Board of Education meeting, several Chatham parents expressed opposition to accepting Harding students. Concerns included school overcrowding, increased competition in academics, extracurricular activities, and athletics, and the added strain on community resources. Additionally, at the 9/17/2024 Joint Recreation Advisory Committee of the Chathams meeting, many community members opposed the inclusion of Harding students in Chatham’s youth programs.

Enrollment Concerns:
Superintendent of the School District of the Chathams, Michael LaSusa, presented an enrollment overview indicating past, current, and anticipated enrollment. He stated: "At our peak enrollment we were able to handle the population, so we are able to take on Harding student enrollment." What he did not allude to is that, during peak enrollment, Chatham was bursting at the seams and simply "made it work." Lunch tables were set up in hallways, and students were eating while sitting on the floor. Chatham parents are not interested in "fitting" more students in under these circumstances again; rather, they seek to create the most comfortable learning environment possible for Chatham's current residents.

Student Population and Learning Environment:
Madison High School’s enrollment of fewer than 800 students offers a more intimate and personalized learning environment for Harding students, as well as better opportunities for participation in school activities. In contrast, Chatham High School’s student population exceeds 1,200 and is projected to grow, which could dilute opportunities for both Harding and Chatham students in academics, leadership roles, and extracurricular participation.

Youth Sports and Activities:
Harding students are fully integrated into Madison’s youth sports and extracurricular programs, providing a vital contribution to these activities. Chatham has yet to confirm whether it would welcome Harding students into its programs, and shifting Harding students to Chatham could weaken both communities’ athletic and extracurricular offerings.

Conclusion:
We respectfully ask the Chatham Board of Education to reject any further consideration of a send/receive contract with Harding Township Public School. Chatham High School is already facing increasing student enrollment, and the addition of Harding students would further exacerbate overcrowding, diminish opportunities, and place undue strain on community resources. The strong, historical relationship between Harding and Madison has fostered a shared sense of community and collaboration, and there is overwhelming support for maintaining this connection.

We trust the Chatham Board of Education will prioritize the best interests of Chatham’s students and community by discontinuing any talks of a send/receive relationship with Harding. This decision will help protect the quality of education, extracurricular opportunities, and the overall well-being of Chatham’s schools and families.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,
Stephen Healey
31 Lindsley Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 (Mailing Address)
New Vernon, NJ 07976 (Physical Address)
Contact: 908-377-1414
Email: shealey@remax.net