Dozens turn out for first school focus group meeting

By SUZANNE MARINO
Staff Writer
MARGATE – The first meeting of the focus group for the facility study of the Margate Schools met Jan. 24.
More than 50 people filled the Martin Bloom Pavilion at the Margate Library complex. They all came armed with not just questions, but also concerns that decisions had already been made before the findings were even collected or investigated.
David Fraytak of Faridy, Veisz and Fraytak PC, an architectural and planning firm out of Trenton, is the facilitator of the focus group, along with a three-person panel comprised of a former utility CEO, a former school superintendent and a data processor.
Though funded by the school district, Fraytak said the group will make its independent findings public. More than a few people in the audience wanted to talk about closing one school, but Fraytak would only say that his group will consider every comment and question.
The next focus group meeting is slated for 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Martin Bloom Pavilion. Those unable to make it but who would like to have their opinions considered may e-mail dfraytak@fvfpc.com.
Fraytak said that his group should be able to present its findings to the Board of Education by the end of March.
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