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Monroe Public Schools hears hours of testimony on proposed 5–6 intermediate building
Summary
At a Feb. 10 special workshop, the Monroe Public Schools Board of Education heard sustained public comment and staff discussion about a proposal to reorganize elementary grades into a 5–6 intermediate building; teachers and parents raised staffing, certification and transport concerns while some educators urged support to relieve space constraints.
The Monroe Public Schools Board of Education met in a special workshop on Monday to consider a proposed 5–6 intermediate building that would reconfigure the district's elementary grade structure. President Heck opened the session and the meeting centered on staff and public testimony about how the change would affect students, teachers and families.
Superintendent Shaw told the board that staffing numbers and student-health materials were distributed in the board briefs and reviewed emails the administration received from parents and community members. Supporters — including encore and Manor teachers — argued a 5–6 building would create dedicated spaces for art, music and technology and help equalize instructional resources across schools. Opponents — particularly Raisonville teachers and several parents — said the district lacks a clear staffing plan, that certification and support staffing (bus drivers, custodians, special‑ed staff) are insufficient, and that moving students could harm continuity, morale and student well‑being.
Jennifer Sales, a Raisonville teacher, told the board that the K–6 model supports continuity and benefits neurodivergent students who rely on routines and familiar adults. "Moving students to an intermediate building during such a critical time in child development would be more detrimental in the long term than beneficial," she said. Administrators and some board members acknowledged those concerns but said the plan aims to address class-size imbalances and provide specialized instructional time for 5th and 6th graders.
Board members pressed for more details on teacher certification and staffing implementation and debated the timeline; several called for additional outreach and impact analysis before a final decision. The board completed the workshop and took a motion to adjourn; members indicated a formal meeting on the following night would include the vote or further action on the proposal.
