BOYERTOWN >> Boyertown Area School Board President John Landino began discussions of potential district cost-savings measures at a recent meeting by making a motion to close Pine Forge Elementary School by 2018.
“It is important for our district and our board to consider all measures. So I am making a motion to direct administration to prepare comprehensive report about the financial and logistical considerations of possibly closing Pine Forge Elementary as of the commencement of the 2018-19 school year.”
The motion directs administration to report on and explore the operational savings that would result from the school closure, the cost of repairs for the facility, the possible staffing reductions that could result, and the transportation impact on students and district costs. The report would also include the procedural steps that must be followed to be taken for closing a school in compliance with state law and to be sensitive to the community.
The report is be issued by administration no later than April 18.
With work on the 2017-2018 district budget work underway, there’s a need to make up for a $4 million deficit. At previous Board meetings and Budget Work Sessions, discussion has taken place regarding the need to consider all cost savings measures in order to balance the budget.
The motion was seconded by board member Paul Stengle. Landino added this motion is in regards to feasibility and is not a closure vote at this time.
Since the item was not on the agenda, the floor opened for public comments.
“I was actually shocked to hear your announcement regarding Pine Forge,” said Linda Curry, adding how Boyertown School District is a very large district with rural areas. “For me, and I live on Montgomery County side, I would really like to see the justification for closing that school and better understand it.” She asked how long bus rides will be for those students if that school were to close.
Barbara Bigler, a teacher within the district, echoed Curry’s comments.
“I think this is absolutely ridiculous. I cannot believe you’re doing this to the kids.” She pointed out the district just hired a new principal, asking what would happen to him – and the kids. “Those kids are just as important at any other school in this district. It doesn’t matter if it’s a big school or a small school.”
Bigler added how the school may be older with some “bumps and bruises,” but to close it would not be fair to families. She asked the board to seriously think about the impact the closure would have on the Pine Forge community and entire school district.
Former board member Ruth Dierolf also took the podium to ask the board why the public wasn’t told about this motion ahead of time.
In board comments, Stephen Elsier acknowledged this is a serious matter and said he was confident that the board and administration will go through the proper vetting process.
Board member Christine Neiman said she would not be supporting the motion. “To bus our children from there to anywhere is not an option for me.” She said the board should exhaust every option before doing this, and she’s angry the topic was brought up.
“I presume we’re just getting information here? This is not an ultimate decision,” said Robert Caso, adding how he’s always looking for information. “When it comes to school closing, there are a lot of arrows that have to come into alignment to point to closing a school. And I will also tell you, these arrows don’t come into alignment in a month, it takes years.”
Caso said this motion smacks at the lack of planning – specifically strategic planning – within the district, and that this is something that should have been known for a long time.
“I will be in favor of getting information, but I will have a lot more to say on this subject later.”
Board members Jill Dennin and Clay Breece both referenced how this motion is about gathering information and is one option of many in regards to cutting costs.
The motion passed with a vote of 8-1; Neiman cast the dissenting vote.
A Budget Work Session will be held at Boyertown Junior High East on Tuesday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, at the Education Center.
