1/28/14 - A proposal to consolidate two schools in the Howell district was met with emotion and opposition from parents and staff who felt the concept, along with tearing down the old Latson Elementary, sends a message of trouble to the community, not stability. The proposal from the Facilities Committee was the first glance for the Howell Board of Education and the public last night. Southeast Elementary students would move to the newer Three Fires Elementary, and the Cognitively Impaired Program would transition to either Challenger or Northwest. It was said to be the least disruptive option for students, families and staff but those who spoke from the audience viewed it as a backward move, saying the intangibles at Southeast donât have a price tag nor does the ability to nurture young students in a key developmental stage, saying Three Fires is a newer building designed as a middle school. They said a lot of work went into changes at Southeast to address the special needs population so any move would result in significant building and playground modifications, noting change is already overwhelming and difficult for that population. Administration said Southeast will likely be re-purposed down the road and adjustments must be made to account for decline at the elementary level so the longer the wait, the more costly any decision in terms of student loss, programs and the budget. The district is currently 1,100 seats under capacity at the elementary level, and part of the recommendation was based on logistics and the location of children who attend the schools. The board agreed to take their time before a final decision but President Mike Witt said he wasnât sold and any building not in use still ages. He added that if attracting and retaining students is the objective, then the plans donât seem to fit the mold. Board member Deb McCormick commented there are always changes in districts and they must find the best use to meet the different needs of students. Board member Kim Witt commented on the need to grow the district population and had concerns with the cost of having the building just sitting there, noting the similar experience with the Parker school. Member Mike Moloney shared in some concerns about the bigger picture. He requested a solid budget of non-recurring costs be brought back and more information on transportation costs, bus routes and scenarios. The minimal savings is estimated at $450,000, with roughly six staff reductions from attrition. There were said to be no noticeable increases or decreases with the cost of transportation but the proposal would not increase with the length of time students spend on the bus, noting half would have a shorter ride and easier access with the new Latson Road interchange. More information can be found in the attachment below. (JM)
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