Facing declining enrollment, rising costs, and state aid uncertainties, the West Babylon Union Free School District is exploring the closure of one of its five UPK-5 schools. The district is grappling with a significant drop in student population over the past 15 years while maintaining the same number of school buildings. A recent study recommended closing Forest Avenue school due to its small size and transportation cost concerns. The district is considering alternatives, including transitioning to four independent elementary schools or adopting the Princeton Plan, which would group students by grade level. The study also suggested leasing out the closed school building to generate additional revenue.
The West Babylon Union Free School District is contemplating a plan to close one of its five UPK-5 schools in an effort to curb costs. The district is grappling with declining enrollment, uncertainties surrounding state aid, and escalating expenses for student services. Superintendent of Schools Yiendhy Farrelly highlighted the persistent decline in enrollment at Tuesday night's board meeting, stating that data has consistently demonstrated this trend over the past 13 years.
On June 4, 2024, the board convened with the superintendent to establish a Long Range Planning Committee tasked with exploring various options to reduce district expenditures while upholding high educational standards. According to the district, West Babylon schools have witnessed a substantial decline in enrollment, shedding approximately 761 students over the past 15 years despite maintaining the same number of school buildings. A recent study, presented at Tuesday's meeting, recommended the closure of Forest Avenue school. This recommendation stems from the school's status as the smallest of the three UPK-5 schools situated north of Sunrise Highway, with only 17 classrooms. Transportation costs have also emerged as a concern due to the school's location. If approved, the district would transition to four independent elementary schools or adopt the Princeton Plan, which would organize students in school buildings by grade level rather than residential proximity. The study proposed an alternative for the Board of Education to generate revenue by leasing out the Forest Avenue building in the future. Consultants projected that the district could potentially earn an additional $880,000 annually through this rental arrangement. Parents expressed mixed reactions during the board meeting. While some acknowledged the financial pressures faced by the district and supported cost-saving measures, others voiced concerns about the impact on students and the community. One parent remarked that the district's financial predicament necessitates closing a school to sufficiently reduce spending and create opportunities for revenue generation. Conversely, Forest Avenue PTA President Alicia Demonte argued that prioritizing financial considerations over the well-being of students is detrimental. She expressed fears that relocating students would disrupt their established social connections and educational continuity. School officials aim to finalize a decision at the board's next meeting on January 28th. The goal is to implement any necessary changes as early as the upcoming September
SCHOOL CLOSURE DECLINING ENROLLMENT EDUCATION COSTS WEST BABYLON SCHOOL DISTRICT LONG RANGE PLANNING
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