Christa McAuliffe School Closing: NJ Funding Cuts
christa McAuliffe Middle School in N.J. to Close Due to Budget Cuts
Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Jackson Township, N.J., is scheduled to close permanently next week, prompting emotional reactions from staff and former students. the school, named in memory of Christa McAuliffe, the first civilian teacher in space who perished in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, will shut its doors June 23 after more than 30 years of operation.
Jerriann Parlow, an eighth-grade literacy teacher preparing for retirement, reflected on the school’s deep history. “The walls hold so much history,” Parlow said, adding, “We can never recreate the family that we have here.”
The school opened in 1993, with McAuliffe’s mother present at the dedication. Melita Gagliardi, a former student, recalled the event. “I do remember back when I was a seventh grade student, her mother was here with us, opening this building,” Gagliardi said.
Severe cuts in state aid forced the district to consolidate schools, leading to the closure. The district has filed a lawsuit against the state of New Jersey. The New Jersey Department of Education declined to comment,citing pending litigation.
An open house was held June 14 for former faculty and staff, during which a 1993 time capsule was opened. Valentin Arellan, a school employee and former student, expressed sadness. “It’s kind of tough for me. I work here now. As a former student, now everything going to be gone,” Arellan said.
Principal Debra Phillips said memorabilia would be moved to honor the school’s legacy. “We will take memorabilia and we will try to honor that past legacy in a new location, even tho these doors will close,” Phillips said.
A pine tree grown from a seed that germinated in space stands in the courtyard, now taller than the building, but cannot be moved.
“It’s not the walls that make this place so special. It’s the people inside this building that make this place so special,” Gagliardi said.
Teachers plan to continue honoring McAuliffe’s legacy of connecting with students. The school played a notable role in the community,and its closure marks the end of an era.
What’s next
While the physical building will close, staff members aim to keep Christa McAuliffe’s role as an educator alive by carrying on her values in their future endeavors, ensuring her impact on students continues.