Board of Education Considers Closing F.M. Kearns Primary School

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As communicated in my September Drummer article, the Board of Education (BOE) has received the administration’s findings and recommendations from The Declining Enrollment Study. Parents and community members were invited to discuss the recommendations at the September BOE and PTO meetings. Similar opportunities will be provided over the next few weeks.
Declines in school enrollment are being experienced in districts across the state. The steady decline in Granby’s district enrollment has been a topic of conversation in town for the past few years. Granby’s enrollment over the next decade is projected to go from 1,958 students in 2014 to approximately 1,467 students in 2024, a net decline of 491 students or (25 percent) percent. The four schools that serve students in K-8 are collectively becoming oversized for the projected student population. Closing one of the three schools would reduce educational expenses and result in a net savings to the town budget.
The Declining Enrollment Study provided two recommendations for the BOE’s consideration.  Both options include closing the primary school, restructuring the two intermediate schools and relocating all 6th grades to the middle school. The study outlined potential costs, savings, educational programming, facility improvements, and timelines associated with each option.

Options for Consideration
Option 1: F.M. Kearns: Closed
Option 1: Kelly Lane: Grades PreK-2 Primary Elementary School
Option 1: Wells Road: Grades 3-5 Intermediate Elementary School
Option 1: Middle School: Grades 6-8 Middle School
Option 2: F. M. Kearns: Closed
Option 2: Kelly Lane: Grades PreK-5 Elementary School
Option 2: Wells Road: Grades K-5 Elementary School
Option 2: Middle School: Grades 6-8 Middle School
Option One
Option 1 projects a total of 15.7 staff reductions in year one that contributes to a net operating savings of $1,032,704. Over the next five years, the projected net operating savings for Option 1 is $6,022,029. The cost of facility renovations for Option 1 for the fall of 2016 is projected at $727,555 resulting in a net saving of $305,149 for the first year.
 
2016-2017
2017-2018
2018-2019
2019-2020
2020-2021

Total Net Operating Savings
$1,032,704
$1,173,793
$1,225,199
$1,277,557
$1,312,776

Renovation Costs
($727,555)
$0
$0
$0
$0

Projected Net Savings
$305,149
$1,173,793
$1,225,199
$1,277,557
$1,312,776

Option Two
Option 2 projects a total of 14.6 staff reductions in year one that contributes to a net operating savings of $970,705. Over the next five years, the projected net operating savings for Option 2 is $5,700,280. The cost of facility renovations for Option 2 for the fall of 2016 is projected at $748,588 resulting in a net saving of $222,117 for the first year.
 
2016-2017
2017-2018
2018-2019
2019-2020
2020-2021

Total Net Operating Savings
$970,705
$1,111,204
$1,161,104
$1,211,910
$1,245,357

Renovation Costs
($748,588)
$0
$0
$0
$0

Projected Net Savings
$222,117
$1,111,204
$1,161,104
$1,211,910
$1,245,357

Timelines and Funding
In order to implement Option 1 or Option 2, a decision on whether to proceed with either option needs to be made by the BOE by October 21. Decisions after this date would automatically delay the implementation until the 2017-2018 school year or beyond. Applying for reimbursement through a state construction grant would cover approximately 45 percent of eligible construction costs. Implementing any of the recommendations for September 2016 would require the retrospective filing for potential reimbursement through special legislation. Filing for state reimbursement in advance of conducting facility improvements will defer implementation of any of the options for at least a year.
Summary
The district is accountable to the Granby community for using finances wisely and efficiently, while at the same time maintaining the high-quality educational programming for Granby students. The study’s recommendations preserves that balance. Two viable options were developed for BOE consideration. The administrative team has a preference for Option 1 primarily for reasons of safety, program efficiencies and cost effectiveness, the elimination of swing streets and consistency with the current grade level grouping practice. In crafting these recommendations, the needs of students remained at the forefront and considerable care was taken to anticipate and accommodate the needs and wishes of the community, parents and staff.
Opportunities for Community Input
The full report can be found on the front page of the district website. Prior to a decision being made on October 21, community members are encouraged to share their thoughts via email to the Superintendent of Schools (addleya@granby.k12.ct.us) and at upcoming meetings: BOE meetings on Oct. 7 and 21 (7 p.m., Town Hall Meeting Room), Superintendent’s Forum on Oct. 15 (7 p.m., Board of Education Building), and PTO meeting on Oct. 20 (6:30 p.m., Kelly Lane Intermediate School).