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Middletown superintendent says consolidation was not her recommendation this year and announces retirement
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Alone read a prepared statement saying she did not advise placing the closure plan on the February agenda, that consolidation can be necessary to protect educational quality, and that she is retiring after 26 years in education.
Superintendent Dr. Alone used her board time to explain the administration’s position on school consolidation and to announce her retirement.
She told the board and public that while consolidation can be “the least intrusive” option to preserve recurring savings and educational quality, she had not recommended placing a consolidation plan on last February’s agenda without more community discussion. She also said the financial shortfall crystallized after the fall budget build and that administrators had been working to present options.
Nut graf: Dr. Alone framed consolidation as a difficult but potentially necessary step to restore long-term fiscal stability while minimizing student disruption; she also said the recent tone of public discourse influenced her decision to accept an opportunity elsewhere and retire after 26 years in the field.
The superintendent said the administrative team will continue to support implementation if the board proceeds, and that a consolidation task force including staff and community members will be created to refine transition plans. Multiple trustees and members of the public responded during question periods, asking for more details about the origin of the closure motions and the timing of administrative recommendations.
Ending: Dr. Alone said more information will be shared as details are refined and reiterated the administration’s readiness to support the board and the community during any transition period.
