1. Why do we need to improve the Canton Intermediate School and the Canton Junior / Senior High School? The needs for improvement at the CIS and CJSHS are four-fold:

a. Accommodate current overcrowding and increasing enrollments
b. Upgrade 30 year old building systems
c. Improve spaces to meet current and future educational needs
d. Address the concerns of the NEASC recent Accreditation Review and resulting warning status

2. Why do we need more space in the high school when it accommodated nearly the same number of students when it was first built? There are two parts to this answer:

a. The way in which we use classrooms, has changed over the past 30 years, requiring more space for the same number of children. For a visual demonstration and more information check back in the third week of June for, Upgrading 30 Year Old Schools.

b. The educational programs provided by our schools have changed over the past 30 years requiring different kinds of spaces equipped with technology to prepare our children for their future endeavors and continuing education. For more information, check back in the second week of June for Today's Classroom.

3. Why do we need to expand the CIS building when enrollments are projected to drop and level off by the end of the decade?

Enrollments at CIS are already at high levels and classrooms are crowded, limiting activities. When CIS was built, it was designed for high school instruction with desks and chairs set in rows and teachers lecturing the class. Instructional activities for grades 4, 5, and 6 are very different from that 'sage on the stage' format requiring more space in each classroom. Consequently, a number of classrooms in the existing building are undersized. Furthermore, several spaces not intended for instruction have been converted to classrooms, on extremely limited resources and eliminating necessary support spaces, such as custodial and supply storage.

4. What does an "Accreditation Warning" status mean for the Canton Junior/Senior High School?

The School must develop a plan for addressing the recommendations made by the On-Site Peer Review Report and submit that plan to the NEASC by July 1, 2002. Subsequently, the School has another five years to complete the plan for improvements. For more information, see Accreditation Warning Status to Canton Jr/Sr High School.

5. Will there be construction activities at both CIS and CJSHS at the same time?

The Building Committee is currently working with architects, Tai Soo Kim Partners to determine the best approach. All members of the Project Team are cognizant of the importance of safety at our schools and will develop a plan which keeps safety for student, staff and parents at the forefront of everyone's activities on a daily basis. Check this site regularly for updates on the plan for improvements.

6. How can I find out more about the planning process?

a. Check this website on a monthly basis for updates.
b. Attend the public information meetings which will take place in September.
c. Keep your eyes on the local newspapers for news and announcements for Building Committee meetings and Town Board meetings at which the project be will presented and discussed.

Contact us with your questions.

THIS PAGE LAST UPDATED JUNE 4, 2002