|
|
An 18-member committee has been meeting for the past 18 months to discuss ways to address the inequities in class size between the two elementary schools. Both schools presently serve kindergarten through fifth-grades.
Richard Azoff, principal of Seymour Smith Elementary and a member of the Elementary Facilities Utilization Committee, called the difference "a fairly strong inequity" between the buildings.
At Seymour Smith Elementary, the average class size in fifth grade is 20.5, while at Cold Spring, it's 15. In fourth grade at Seymour Smith, the average size is 17 students, while Cold Spring has one class of 23 students.
Some student programs have also been affected, as special education and English as a Second Language students have to be bused an extra half hour for programs that aren't available in their buildings.
The reconfiguration could address some of those concerns, administrators said.
Some of the benefits include a specialized building culture and student, family and community involvement since students will know each other throughout their school careers, according to the committee presentation.
It is currently unclear exactly what effect the change would have on staffing, and transportation costs still have to be determined.
A staggered start time could be a possibility if the change is approved.
District parent Angela Hieter of the Town of Clinton was concerned about what the proposal would mean for her children and others in the neighborhood. Students in her area already ride the bus for 50 minutes because of median closures on the Taconic State Parkway.
"We don't want any kids on the bus for an hour," said Bruce Kimball, vice president of the school board and a member of the Elementary Facilities Utilization Committee.
Bus routes would have to be redone, school officials said.
The committee recommended any changes not be made until fall 2009.
"I know it was a lot of work," said Board President Helene McQuade. "We'll be looking at it very closely."
More details of the proposal, including cost projections, will need to be worked out, said Superintendent Linda Kaumeyer.
A series of public forums will be scheduled before any decisions are made, she said.
The committee members are Debbie Beam, Scott Cale, Joann Wolfe, Laura Rosborough, Debbie Hanlon, Paul Mollica, Maureen Lonczak, Doug Weaver, Laura Wendover, Margie Gerrard, Connie Kessel, Laura Gilhooly, Maryann Stoorvogel, Richard Azoff, Jay Glynn, Judy Vleming, Bruce Kimball and Mary Zayas.
