3R Initiative
What is the 3R Initiative?
Hamden's Reimagine * Restructure * Results (3R) Initiative was created to address these important issues:
- Decreasing state funding to towns for education,
- Declining enrollment (similar to most other communities in CT),
- Meeting state guidelines for diversity
- Incorporating our own community's values around diversity and inclusiveness.
These are all critical issues facing our town. In 2017, the Hamden Board of Education began discussing these issues and examining ways to reorganize our educational system in a way that can be sustained in the future while being mindful of these important issues.
The BOE and district administration saw and continue to see this important work not as a challenge, but rather as an opportunity to optimize programming and reallocate resources to maximize opportunities for our students, while at the same time creating conditions for a long-term sustainable school system of excellence.
For more information on updates, progress and history of the initiative, click the tabs below.
3R Updates and Progress
Initiative Progress and Updates
March 5, 2019
At the March 5 Operations Committee meeting, members viewed a presentation by Silver Petrucelli related to building improvements related to the 3R initiative and magnet schools. Discussion included questions about which schools would be the best equipped to be magnet schools and what kinds of "magnet" topics/structures would attract parents to have their children attend different schools in Hamden. The administration explained that they are in the process of collecting information from parents and school principals in each school community.
February 1, 2019
In the last several weeks, a few letters have been sent to affected families informing them about changes for the next year. This includes a letter to Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School families explaining that ACES would not be purchasing the existing building, and that the program would be relocated to a building in North Haven.
In addition, preliminary work has begun on two construction projects: Alice Peck and West Woods. In the case of Alice Peck Early Learning Center, students will be relocated to Wintergreen Elementary School for the 2019-20 school year while the building is under construction. In the case of West Woods Elementary, discussions continue on the construction project, which is expected to last approximately 18 months.
December 1, 2018
At the special Board of Education meeting on Thursday, November 29, 2018, the Board of Education voted on the school district's restructuring plan. The following items were approved:
- Move 6th grade students from elementary schools to Hamden Middle School
- Close and repurpose Church Street Elementary School
- Close and repurpose Shepherd Glen Elementary School
- Petition the Legislative Council for the transfer of the Wintergreen facility to be incorporated back into the Hamden Public School system
- Direct the Superintendent to develop intra-district magnet programs and obtain Board approval for implementation
- Direct the Superintendent to develop a districtwide universal pre-K program and obtain Board approval for implementation.
None of the items above are expected to take effect this year or next - the changes will require extensive planning and work with our families and staff.
We recognize that there will be challenges as well as mixed emotions about the changes that will be occurring in our district in the next several years. However, we are confident that together, we can work through challenges and emerge as a stronger community.
Updates will be published here as they are available.
3R History
History of the Hamden 3R Initiative
The Reimagine * Restructure * Results Initiative was created to address these issues:
- Decreasing state funding to towns for education,
- Declining enrollment (similar to most other communities in CT),
- Meeting state guidelines for diversity
- Incorporating our own community's values around diversity and inclusiveness.
These are all critical issues facing our town. In 2017, the Hamden Board of Education began discussing these issues and examining ways to continue to provide an excellent educational system in a way that can be sustained in the future while being mindful of these important issues.
The Board and administration have created an initiative around this work called, "3R - Rethink, Restructure, Results." We saw and continue to see this important work not as a challenge, but rather as an opportunity to optimize programming and reallocate resources to maximize opportunities for our students, while at the same time creating conditions for a long-term sustainable school system of excellence.
For more information on history of the initiative, view our 3R Initiative Legacy Page.
In the past several years, most school districts in Connecticut have experienced declining enrollments. The state legislature is wrestling with a challenging budget situation for the years ahead, and this likely means fewer resources for school districts across the state. Both of these factors affect Hamden Public Schools. 