District outlines elementary reorganization, teacher swaps and busing plans for next year

District administrators provided a detailed update on April 8 about the elementary reorganization that will combine Millville and Blackstone elementary operations.

Presenters said the goals are equitable education across the two towns and increased grade‑level collaboration. Steps completed include family communications, class‑by‑class meetings with students, teacher professional learning communities by grade, shared instructional leadership teams, mapping of classroom placements for next year, and meetings with a moving company to plan the transition. Administrators said they will run a few school‑swap visits so teachers can observe peers and build relationships prior to the move.

The district reported work with town police to survey road widths and test potential bus configurations. The current plan favors first stops at the larger complex to stage buses, with pickups staggered so buses do not block narrow streets; routes will be finalized well before school opens. Facilities work includes phased upgrades to heating controls under a Green Communities grant, a middle‑school circulator pump estimate, and a longer‑term fix for a high‑school handicap ramp; existing allocated capital funds should cover immediate smaller repairs.

Administrators said they are mindful of classroom proportionality when making next year’s class lists and plan continued family engagement, staff support and professional development during the transition.