We are asking the New Providence Board of Education to reconsider the decision requiring my family to send our youngest child to Salt Brook Elementary under the district’s redistricting policy.
My family moved to New Providence in 2019 and has 2 children currently attending Allen W. Roberts - rising 4th and 6th grade. Our youngest child, Nathan, is now being required to attend a different elementary school than his siblings attend, despite my family’s established connection to the AWR community.
Last year, the Board modified its policy to recognize that enrollment considerations should be balanced with the impact on families. While this year’s kindergarten class has reached the district’s stated optimal class size target, Nathan is now effectively the only child directly affected by this decision.
The other 2 families affected by redistricting this year made choices that worked for their circumstances. We respect those decisions. However, those choices should not determine the outcome for my family.
This petition is not about opposing enrollment management or district planning. It is about asking the Board of Education to exercise reasonable discretion and consider the unique circumstances of a family that has been part of the Allen W. Roberts community for years.
We respectfully ask the New Providence Board of Education to:
• Reconsider Nathan’s reassignment to Salt Brook Elementary.
• Consider the educational, social, and emotional impact of separating a child from the school community attended by his siblings.
• Apply district policies with fairness, flexibility, and consideration for individual circumstances.
A decision that affects only one child may seem small on paper, but it has a significant impact on my child’s educational experience and sense of belonging.
Please sign this petition and join us in asking the Board of Education to take another look at this decision.
Thank you for your support.