At a recent public hearing concerning the proposed closure of Stewart Elementary School, Dr. Wagner explained the factors contributing to this recommendation.
This article will explore the inquiries raised during the meeting and elucidate the administration's reasoning behind the decision to close Stewart Elementary School.
QUESTION #1: Why seven additional rooms at Bon Air? Enrollment does not justify it.
Adding seven additional rooms at Bon Air Elementary raises the question of whether or not it is necessary based on current enrollment numbers. However, there are some potential benefits to this expansion. For one, it would allow all 5th graders to continue attending Bon Air Elementary instead of having to transition to Huston Middle School, which could provide a more seamless educational experience for students. Additionally, if the district experiences growth as predicted in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Projections for 2033-2034, having extra space available could be advantageous.
On the other hand, some may argue that the current enrollment could easily be accommodated within the existing three buildings with the addition of cafeteria space at Bon Air Elementary. This raises questions about the need for additional rooms and whether the expansion cost is justified at this time. Ultimately, the decision will likely hinge on weighing the potential benefits of adding rooms against the current enrollment numbers and future growth projections.
QUESTION #2: Evaluate the benefit of reducing tuition students to reduce building and debt.
The district has been able to generate revenue by serving tuition students, with each family paying $4,500 per student for the 2024-2025 school year. This has resulted in approximately $150,000 annually, equivalent to a mil in taxes. The program has been beneficial in terms of financial gain for the district, as it has generated revenue without any additional cost. However, by reducing or eliminating tuition students, the district would experience a decrease in this revenue stream without necessarily being able to reduce faculty or staff, as the students are spread across all grade levels from K-12. Therefore, reducing tuition students does not allow the district to reduce staff and/or costs.
QUESTION #3: Why will there be no staffing reductions with fewer buildings?
Whether there will be staffing reductions with fewer buildings overlooks the fact that the district has already adjusted its faculty and staff in response to declining enrollment over the years. 2011 for example, the elementary schools were restructured from two K-5 buildings to the current K-3 and 4-5 buildings. This consolidation led to a decrease in the number of homerooms at each grade level. In addition to this, the district has also made reductions in support and administrative staff positions. Every year, the administration evaluates the district's needs and makes recommendations to the board regarding staffing additions, reductions, and reallocations to better serve the students and the overall needs of the district. By continuously assessing and adjusting its staffing levels, the district strives to ensure it remains efficient and effective in providing quality education to its students.
QUESTION #4: How will the board decide if it is the right decision to sell the building?
The school board has 90 days to carefully weigh all factors involved in deciding to sell the building. They will likely consider the condition of the building, the cost of maintaining it, and the potential financial benefit of selling it. They will also consider the community's needs and how selling the building could impact residents and students. The board must thoroughly assess and consider the input from stakeholders before coming to a final decision. Selling the building could provide funds for necessary improvements or investments in other educational resources, but they must also ensure that the sale aligns with the district's values and goals. Ultimately, the board will need to carefully weigh the pros and cons before determining if it is the right decision to sell the building.
QUESTIONS #5: What would be the criteria if Stewart Elementary is closed and sold?
This process is vital as the sale of Stewart could significantly impact the local tax base. It is crucial for the district and city to carefully consider potential buyers and ensure that the sale aligns with the community's overall interests. In addition, any criteria for the sale of Stewart would likely prioritize potential buyers committed to investing in the property and maintaining its integrity. The goal would be to find a buyer with the financial means to purchase Stewart and a vision for utilizing the property to benefit the community. This could include considerations such as the preservation of historical elements, the creation of new job opportunities, or the enhancement of local amenities. Ultimately, the sale of Stewart would be a decision that requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a positive outcome for all involved.
QUESTION #6: Who will pay to maintain the building if it sits empty for years?
If the building were to sit empty for years, the burden of maintaining it would fall upon the school district. This could significantly strain the district, as the upkeep and maintenance costs can quickly increase. To prevent the building from falling into disrepair, the school district would need to allocate resources to ensure that the structure is adequately maintained until it can be sold. In the meantime, the district may need to explore alternative uses for the building to generate revenue or offset some of the maintenance costs. Ultimately, the issue of who will pay to maintain the building if it sits empty for years is a complex and challenging one that the school district must address to manage the situation effectively.
QUESTION #7: What are you going to do for additional security?
In addition to the armed guards and School Resource Officer, the district is also upgrading security measures such as surveillance cameras, key card access systems, and intruder drills to enhance the safety of our schools further. It is crucial to continuously review and update our security protocols to ensure the well-being of our students and staff. Furthermore, building solid relationships with local law enforcement agencies and conducting regular safety audits can help identify potential vulnerabilities and address them promptly. Ultimately, the goal is to create a secure learning environment where everyone feels safe and protected. By taking proactive measures and staying vigilant, we can better prepare for any potential security threats and respond effectively to ensure the safety of all individuals within our school community.
QUESTION #8: What will you do with pick up and drop off at Bon Air Elementary?
The plans for pick up and drop off at Bon Air Elementary are contingent upon the grade levels housed at the school. If K-4 students are present, the district will continue with the current process and make necessary modifications. There is hope that the pick-up and drop-off procedures, as well as parking and play areas, will be improved through a paving project. However, if K-5 students are to be accommodated at Bon Air Elementary, additional rooms, paving, and cafeteria space would be required. This change in grade levels would also result in modifications to the existing procedures.
Furthermore, if the board decides to close Stewart Elementary School, the district will carefully consider all factors related to 4th and 5th grade placement. Plans for the 2025-2026 school year will be finalized and shared to keep families informed of any changes. This extensive planning and consideration will ensure a smooth transition and improved facilities for students and staff at Bon Air Elementary.
QUESTION #9: What will you do about student busing in the closing of Stewart Elementary?
Closing Stewart Elementary will require a comprehensive review and adjustment of student busing services in the district. The transportation director will need to consider and potentially relocate bus stops to ensure that all students can safely and efficiently travel to their respective schools. In Lower Burrell, the narrow width of side streets and street parking poses a challenge when determining suitable bus stop locations. Safety will be a top priority when determining the placement of new bus stops, considering factors such as the accessibility of transportation vehicles to neighborhoods. The district must work closely with parents, students, and the community to ensure a smooth transition in student busing services as Stewart Elementary closes its doors.
QUESTION #10: Why don’t you put K-1 at Stewart and keep 2-5 at Bon Air?
While moving grade levels around may seem like a quick solution, it does not address the more significant issues within the school district. Declining enrollment, student needs, and the condition of the buildings are essential factors that need to be considered when making decisions about school placements. Simply shuffling students from one school to another without addressing these underlying issues does not benefit anyone. The district should focus on long-term solutions that address the root causes of these problems rather than just moving students around for the sake of doing so. It is important for the district to carefully consider all factors before making decisions that impact students and their education.
QUESTION#11: Why was closing Stewart not addressed throughout the years? Why now?
While the current administration and board members may not understand why previous boards did not address the issue of closing Stewart throughout the years, it is essential to remember that those decisions were made with the best intentions. Every board member works with the information and facts available at the time, and hindsight is always 20/20. It is possible that budget constraints, community concerns, or other factors influenced the decision not to address the issue in the past. Ultimately, it is up to the current administration and board members to weigh the decision to close Stewart and make a decision that is in the school's and its students' best interest.
QUESTION #12: What options are available for seniors on a fixed income to alleviate their tax burden?
By closing Stewart, the district could achieve annual savings of approximately $200,000 in operating and maintenance costs. This cost reduction could lower the tax burden for senior citizens. Additionally, seniors on a fixed income may benefit from the Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion programs during periods of construction or renovation. These initiatives, established under the Homestead Property Exclusion Program Act and the Taxpayer Relief Act, provide eligible residents with real estate tax assessment reductions.
It is crucial to note that currently, these programs represent the only taxpayer relief measures available to district residents. Seniors are encouraged to investigate further whether they qualify for these programs and how they might enjoy significant tax relief benefits. Proactive planning and utilizing these resources can help mitigate financial pressures associated with construction or renovation projects for senior citizens living on fixed incomes.
In conclusion, recognizing the sentimental value associated with the school's history, the administration underscores the practical necessity of its closure to better serve the educational needs and interests of the district's students and families.
Follow Dr. Wagner's presentation with notes here.