FAQs
Q. What is going on with Bancroft's property in Haddonfield?
We have taken a step back to focus on strategic planning to make sure we are addressing the organization’s needs five to ten years from now. We must plan for the future before we make a final decision relating to our Haddonfield property. We will clearly define what our facilities will need to look like in order to make the best possible decisions today.
Q. Is Bancroft looking for a big campus for educational and residential space?
Not necessarily. We are weighing various scenarios at this time, based on the needs of those who come to us for services, market trends and other national, state and local initiatives. Although our school will require a large piece of property, most of the children and adults we serve residentially reside in group homes or supervised apartments located in community neighborhoods. We prefer to serve individuals in natural environments as much as possible.
Q. Where would the new school be relocated?
If we do decide to move, our hope is to remain in Camden County, with our new location within a 20 mile radius of Haddonfield.
Q. Are the buildings in need of a major overhaul?
Our buildings are well maintained and safe, and routinely pass all required inspections by appropriate authorities. However, the school buildings were not designed to accommodate the needs we have today. For example, we need to improve physical accessibility, especially given the many needs of the students we are serving. We need more classrooms to accommodate our students. We have window air conditioners, and require better infrastructure for improved technology.
Q. What are Bancroft’s goals in relocating?
Our primary goal is to build a new school for our students. We want to provide state-of-the-art equipment and other environmental and accessibility accommodations others have to increase their ability to learn and grow. The school can be located in Haddonfield or elsewhere, depending on what we determine in the strategic planning and exploration processes we’re involved in at this time.
Q. What should the community know?
We have an important mission that needs to be supported and safeguarded. We serve many, many children and adults who have very significant disabilities and on behalf of every one of them and their families, we must do everything we possibly can to strengthen the organization so that we can continue to provide critical services. Since the organization was first established in 1883, we have been helping people with disabilities achieve maximum self-sufficiency and fulfillment in their lives. This is not always easy given the financial challenges faced by human service organizations, but with careful and smart decisions, we are convinced we can be successful.
Q. Has the Bancroft population changed over the years?
Yes. Education laws today require that children with disabilities be served in the least restrictive setting, which in most cases is their local public school. Private schools like The Bancroft School serve students with more severe disabilities today than they did even just a decade ago. They require more intensive and specialized services, which are often unavailable in a public school program.
Q. Would there be any circumstances that would result in Bancroft staying in Haddonfield?
Yes. Relocating a large school and residential programs is a very complex project that will require successful completion of many steps, including licensing and financing approvals. We also need to obtain at least $20 million for the property in order to accomplish our goal of building a new school. If we find that we are unable to do what we need to do, we will need to find a way to upgrade the current buildings on the campus site.
Q. Is there anything we can do to encourage you to stay in Haddonfield?
Haddonfield is a perfect community for an organization such as Bancroft, and many of our staff (including executive and senior staff) reside in Haddonfield. We know how special this community is and wish we could stay. Problem is…it would be very difficult to provide uninterrupted services to 300 children with disabilities and build a new school on the same property at the same time. In addition, the value of this property would enable us to build a school with up-to-date accessibility and technology advancements, reducing barriers to the children we serve. That is…unless, of course, you know of a kindly benefactor who might be willing to help us stay in Haddonfield.
Q. And, what about this affordable housing situation…why did Bancroft object to the Borough’s plan?
Bancroft had to object to the Borough’s plan in order to protect our rights, as any other property owner would do. We must be included in the discussions related to the future of our property. We hope to work with the Borough officials toward resolving competing interests in this regard.
