I am pleased to announce that the district has received a "Certificate of Approval" for the permitted work completed at Arthur Rann Elementary School.
What does this mean? Simply put, we will be able to use approximately 75% of the building and will move forward with Preschool through 5th grade beginning the year at Arthur Rann, while grade 6 will begin the year at GTMS. Please note that while we have 100% structural clearance from our Industrial Hygienist and a Certificate of Approval from the Galloway Township Construction Office, we will not have access to at least 15 classrooms in the front hallway at this time. Therefore, classrooms previously planned within those spaces have been reallocated temporarily within the building. Further communication from the Arthur Rann Elementary School Administration will be forthcoming.
Additionally, I have included, in part, information from the August 14th parent communication below.
As many of you know, the Arthur Rann Elementary School experienced two separate fire incidents during severe weather events last school year, on January 26, 2026, and February 23, 2026. Thanks to the rapid response of the Galloway Township Fire Department, both fires were contained quickly. However, the building sustained significant fire, water, and smoke damage.
Below is an overview of our remediation progress, safety measures, operational plans for September, and logistics for the upcoming school year. You can also review the presentation made to the board of education and public on August 10, 2026: Arthur Rann Update (PDF; linked)
Environmental Cleaning & Remediation
The safety and well-being of our students and staff continues to remain our highest priorities. Following environmental testing by Hillmann Consulting (Industrial Hygienist), a full 100% floor-to-ceiling cleaning and remediation plan was completed by AllRisk throughout the entire main building. Our modular trailers were unaffected.
Technology & Equipment: Over 10,000 individual items (including Chromebooks, laptops, Boxlights, printers, sound systems, and musical instruments) were transported by a third-party vendor to their facility for remediation, tested by Hillmann Consulting, and verified by our district technology team to determine functionality.
Safety Clearances & Upgrades: An electrical subcontractor for AllRisk is replacing smoke detectors in the front hallway and associated classrooms. Additionally, our district architects and engineers are finalizing plans for permanent HVAC replacement units.
Township Approval: District leadership met on-site with township officials on July 31st to ensure all requirements are met to receive a Certificate of Occupancy. Additionally, a follow-up on-site meeting and initial inspection for electrical work within the front hallway was completed on August 13th. The district and Township continue to work together to ensure all requirements are met in an effort to not only obtain a certificate of occupancy but also maintain a safe environment for ALL. A "certificate of Approval" for the permitted work was received on August 20, 2026.
Structural Clearance: Hillmann Consulting (Industrial Hygienist) provided a comprehensive letter to the insurance adjuster, providing structural clearance for the entire Arthur Rann Elementary School. This comprehensive report was also provided to the Township of Galloway as part of the district's obligations to obtain a certificate of occupancy.
September School Start & Grade 6 Relocation
Preschool through Grade 5: Will remain at Arthur Rann Elementary School. Please note that many classes will begin the year in new classroom locations within the building.
Grade 6: Will be temporarily housed at Galloway Township Middle School (GTMS). Grade 6 students will remain with their dedicated Arthur Rann homeroom teachers and staff throughout the day and within the building.
Transportation, Hours & Bus Tag System
Bus Routes & Schedules:
Bus Routes: Students will maintain their same Arthur Rann bus routes and numbers for both morning pickup and afternoon drop-off. To accommodate parents/guardians who may need to pick up or drop off children at two locations, the following times have been established.
Arthur Rann (Grades PreK–5): Drop-off at 8:35 AM | Pick-up from 3:25 PM – 3:40 PM
GTMS (Grade 6): Drop-off at 8:45 AM | Pick-up from 3:10 PM – 3:25 PM
Student Bus Tag System
To assist staff during transportation, students will receive color-coded backpack tags as follows:
🟡 Yellow Tags: Preschool
🟠 Orange Tags: Kindergarten
🔵 Blue Tags: Grade 6
Meals, Student Services & Childcare
Meals: FREE breakfast will be provided daily to all students. Hot and cold lunch options will be available, and students may also bring lunch from home.
Student Services: School nurses, guidance counselors, mental health staff, Child Study Team (CST) members, and related services will be fully operational at both locations.
Before & After Care (Right at School): Childcare services for PreK–6 students will operate out of Arthur Rann (contingent on Certificate of Occupancy). Grade 6 students will be provided dedicated shuttle transportation to GTMS in the morning and back to Arthur Rann in the afternoon.
Thank you all for your continued support and patience!
Sincerely,
Mr. Stephen Santilli
Superintendent of Schools