The Binghamton City School District appears to balk at the idea of closing an elementary school.
During a live board of education meeting Nov. 14, district officials heard from several families weigh in on what officials had planned to deal with declining enrollment numbers and rising costs. .
Some of those who commented on the feasibility study said they did not see where closing one of the elementary schools, most likely Woodrow Wilson Elementary, would result in substantial savings.
Getty Images/ mygueart
Information provided to residents highlighted challenges with classroom size, underutilized space, and staffing in the district.
Board of Education Chairman Brian Whalen said enrollment at Horace Mann Elementary School fell 11.6% over three years between 2016 and 2019. The Roosevelt School’s student population declined further with a 14.3% decline in enrollment.
Yet as council members heard the comments and considered the numbers, a consensus was reached that no one wanted to close any of the seven schools.
The district will take the lead in seeking grants and other funding to renovate Roosevelt Elementary School while continuing to keep an eye on enrollment numbers.
Reducing the number of active buildings, however, is never entirely out of order. While officials monitor enrollment trends, if numbers continue to decline and funding is unavailable, a school closure may be pushed back down the list.
The Binghamton City Schools Board of Education should have more information regarding finding funding sources in the coming weeks.
Make it with your kids: cinnamon French toast
13 Famous Upstate New York Homes You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Here is an eclectic collection of 13 homes that have wonderful back stories. Several are grand mansions, several are museums, one is basically a cabin, and one is attached to a lighthouse. Take a look at these “Unknown Upstate New York Homes”. And the best part is that they are all open to the public for tours!
