Superintendent Susan Swartz asked the Scotia-Glenville Board of Education for a clear direction at the Monday, Dec. 10, meeting, direction on where and how the district wants to spend money. Swartz said while she knows that the Excel money given by the state does not have an exact time periodot be used, she warned that funds need to be properly allocated so that the district is assured they will have the money.
In addition to an Excel project, the board is also looking at a possible building proposition that could include new district offices and long-awaited improvements to athletic fields.
We need to decide what our critical needs are and try to break down the total cost of those items and see which ones are eligible for the Excel aid, Swartz said. `I need to get a sense of what the board’s desires are. In order to fund a building project, we may have to look at lowering the enrollment at one school in order to allow expansion for district offices. I need to know where you as a board stand on these issues.`
Board member Ben Conlon said in order to tackle a major building project, he feels there should be an effort to avoid an impact on taxes. He said that since he first sat on the board almost four years ago, enrollment in the district has decreased from 1,600 to under 1,000. He said he does not agree with financially supporting a fourth elementary school when the numbers are not there to keep it open and running,
`It doesn’t make sense to support all the schools currently in operation,` he said. `It is not the worst thing in the world to have to close a school. We have had to do it before, just as we have had to open a school to support growth. You may get a few people here who are loud and upset but if you cannot support at least two sections at each grade level per school, it doesn’t benefit our children’s education,` said Conlon.
Conlon also suggested the idea of grade centers similar to those in the Mohonasen Central School District. The idea of grade centers creates schools that house entire grades in one building.
`When you have grade centers, you are able to address issues like talented students who are sitting back bored because they are not being challenged, which is a travesty,` Conlon said. `Do you remember when people were upset when we moved the sixth graders to the middle school? We did, and we adjusted. It’s time we start paying attention to the bottom line, which is providing a better opportunity for our youth.`
Board member Gary Normington said while he is not opposed to grade centers or closing a school, he feels the board would need to review the operational cost. He said he agrees that grade centers can provide a thriving environment.
`One of my issues with closing a school is, what do you do with that building? Do you keep it open, do you rent it out? We have to make sure it is really a cost-effective option,` said Normington.
Swartz said the board’s greatest obstacle is separating a possible building proposition with a plan for the Excel aid.
`Part of me says let’s continue to discuss and move forward with an Excel project, which again would not be exciting items. We are talking about water fountains, windows, doors and bathrooms, all things we need to be done, the details. I need to know where you sit as a board,` said Swartz.
The board will continue to discuss the direction of the district, including the possibility of closing a school and simply reallocating students to allow classroom space to be used as offices.
`I am from Scotia, and Scotia people do not like big change. From a savings point of view I can see closing a school. I went to Mohawk school, which was closed, and I survived. We have to bring our options to the community. It’s going to be a very emotional issue,` said board member Colleen Benedetto. “
