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Pediatrician asks board to reconsider Sherbrooke Estates rezoning, citing disruption to student cohorts
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Summary
Dr. Dara Rajeshwar, a pediatrician and parent, urged the board to reconsider zoning that would move some children off their cohort for two years, arguing the separation harms friendships and adolescent development; the administration said the matter has been referred to the facilities committee for review.
Dr. Dara Rajeshwar told the board she was speaking as a practicing pediatrician in West Windsor and the parent of a Maurice Hawk student to request reconsideration of the Sherbrooke Estates zoning track under review. She said the current plan forces a subset of non-DLI fourth- and fifth-grade students to attend a different school for two years, separating them from their cohort when stable peer relationships are especially important.
"This 2 year separation from their original school cohort and back again causes a significant disruption to our children's friendships and peer group at an age when stable social relationships are vitally important to their development," Dr. Rajeshwar said, adding that such disruptions can exacerbate mental-health struggles. She cited national guidance, saying the American Academy of Pediatrics highlights early adolescence as a critical period and noted a 2024 longitudinal study linking victimization in ages 8–11 to later diagnoses and symptoms.
In response, Dr. Aderhold told the board the matter had been referred to the administration facilities committee and that Miss Nkata, the assistant superintendent for people services and planning, has been engaged in a review and will bring a recommendation to the committee at a future meeting. He explained that committee meetings are working meetings closed to the public but that minutes and reports would be posted publicly after committee meetings.
No board vote or motion on rezoning took place during this meeting; the administration said it will return with a formal recommendation in a future meeting.
