APS closing 2 schools
Sunset, Long Rapids students to be relocatedCrystal Nelson
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Fact Box
By the
numbers
2: Number of schools to close
5-2: How the board voted
$356,420: The estimated savings from the school closings
Despite pleas from several citizens and parents, the Alpena Public Schools Board of Education decided to move forward with a recommendation from Superintendent Brent Holcomb as determined by the ad hoc restructure committee at a special board meeting Monday night.
The school board voted unanimously to move the district's sixth grade into the Thunder Bay Junior High and to close Sunset Elementary School and relocate students to Ella White Elementary School. The board voted 5-2 to close Long Rapids Elementary School and relocate students to Wilson Elementary School, with Treasurer Mike Barnett and Susan Bowen in opposition.
Bowen said she did not want to vote on the issue because she wanted more time to review the information. She still is receiving phone calls and comments from parents and did not want to be rushed into a decision.
"I know how difficult it is to close a school. I think it's even more difficult in a country setting such as Long Rapids because that is the community; the school itself is the community and they're going to be losing that," she said. "That school, I believe geographically, is needed. I'm concerned about long bus rides to Wilson School - some kids may choose to go to Hinks if they're on the edge or Besser School. That's their prerogative, but I'm not sure that was the right school to close, right now."
Barnett also was concerned about making a decision before the board had time to digest all of the information.
Board President Diane Shields said the decisions probably were some of the most difficult ones any of the board members have had to make. For her, the decision "was extremely difficult" because she comes from a country school and understands how close knit the school community is.
"What I'm hoping is that we can get out there to those parents, give them some opportunities to visit their new schools and have them be a part of how we transition this," she said. "We did this a number of years ago as Susan mentioned with Maple Ridge. It was extremely tough then too."
Holcomb said it's a sad commentary on what's going on in the state.
"I feel awful for parents at both of our schools we're looking at closing," he said. "It's just sad. I feel terrible for parents and kids."
It's estimated that closing the two elementary schools will save the district $365,420.
Holcomb said the board's decision is only a part of what has to be done in order for the district to come up with a balanced budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year and that "there's more to go." The board has until June 30 to work on and adopt a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The board's decision is effective July 1.
No action was taken on two recommendations: to relocate central office when the district is financially able and to keep the schools being closed as assets for the next three to five years to be considered for reopening in the event of increased student population and revenue to the district.
Crystal Nelson can be reached via e-mail at cnelson@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693.
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momof4
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03-04-10 6:35 AM
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It doesn't make sense to relocate central office if they don't have a buyer for the building. There are renters in part of the building also. It was brought up because some of the parents that weren't happy about the other changes said why doesn't central office move into some of the vacant spots of the buildings instead of moving kids around to try and fill them up. Central office really doesn't care where they work out of. They can do their job anywhere. Although moving them to another location will create a big expense so why do that when there is not a buyer for the building. Who is going to purchase buidings in Alpena right now with our economy the way it is?
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areyoukidding
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03-02-10 9:55 PM
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Why are the going to relaocate central offices?
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