Good News for Princeton District: Schools Open, Parking Plan In Place

Candace Braun

District officials were able to open the schools as scheduled on Thursday, September 9, even as construction at the six schools in the Princeton Regional School District continued through Wednesday.

"It was very uneventful; principals reported that everything ran smoothly," said Lew Goldstein, assistant superintendent for human resources, public information, and community relations.

He added that some outstanding items are still being worked on at the elementary schools, such as roofing and exterior work. However, all work on the four schools should be completed within four to six weeks.

As was planned, John Witherspoon Middle School and Princeton High School will have ongoing construction throughout the school year, said Gary Weisman, facilities director. Minimal construction will take place during the day, with the bulk of work being done after school hours and on holidays and weekends.

The science classrooms at the elementary schools are still being worked on, although it is not affecting the running of the schools, and the rooms should be ready within the next month, he added.

The floor of the gymnasium at Littlebrook Elementary is being finished up, and should be ready for use by next Monday, said the facilities director. Mr. Weisman was unable to pinpoint a date of completion for the gym at John Witherspoon, which is also still under construction.

High School Parking

Princeton High School's parking plan went into place on Monday, September 13, without many complaints, said Principal Gary Snyder.

"It seems to be going okay so far," he said.

According to School Board President Anne Burns, 107 students applied for parking permits. As only 70 permits were allotted for each semester on Franklin and Walnut avenues, the permits were divided up into two semesters, and each student was given a permit for their preferred semester.

"Everyone who wanted [a permit] got one for at least one semester," said Mr. Snyder.

All students were able to receive their first choice semester for a parking permit, said Ms. Burns: "It looks like right now things are going ahead as planned."

According to Lt. Dennis McManimon of the Borough Police Department, the police are giving students a "grace period" as school is starting and the permit parking system is going into place, and have not started ticketing drivers who are parked illegally.

In related news, the School Board interviewed candidates for the superintendent's position this past weekend. The Board will narrow the group down to five candidates, from which one is scheduled to be chosen on October 15, and will start at the beginning of January.