43
School officials discuss ‘realignment’ plan
POLAND
School district officials plan to close two of the district’s six school buildings within the next few years in what they say will be a “realignment” of the district to deal with declining enrollment rates.
Although no board action has been taken, the plan is to close North Elementary before the 2015-16 school year, and then to later close McKinley Elementary, Superintendent David Janofa said at Tuesday’s meeting.
The basis for the plan is a recent report issued by the Ohio School Facilities Commission, which, in addition to an assessment of the school buildings’ conditions, gave a 20-year enrollment projection based on district birth and death rates starting in 2002.
“We are projected to have a reduction in enrollment of 825 students” within the next several years, Janofa said. “We can no longer have six buildings operating.”
“Inaction is not an option,” he said.
“This is a major, major issue that we have to come to grips with.”
The report projects that there are about 645 children 4 years old and younger in the district, down from about 2,500 some 10 years ago, Janofa said.
The high school has about 700 students, he said.
The decision to close North as opposed to an older school such as Union is based on its size, since it would be unable to accommodate an influx of students unless the district invested in costly renovations, Janofa said.
“I love North,” he said.
“It’s a beautiful facility. The problem is, it’s the smallest. When you look at restructuring ... you need as much space as you can.”
McKinley is next in line to close because it is the most expensive in terms of utility costs and maintenance, Janofa said.
If North closes, all kindergarten and first-grade students will be diverted to Dobbins Elementary and all second-, third- and fourth- grade students will attend Union Elementary next year.
North would then be re-purposed.
No changes will be made to the middle or high schools next school year, Janofa said.
Changes would have to be made to Union, however, to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Janofa estimates the cost of adding lifts and elevators to the building will be between $40,000 and $90,000.
Some parents at the meeting raised concerns about the proposal and with district officials’ handling of the process.
Janofa stressed the plan is a necessity for the district, and he promised transparency and the chance for community input.
The state report will be available at www.poland-bulldogs.com, Janofa said.