The potential closure of Stewart Elementary School in Burrell has ignited a passionate debate within the community. A public hearing held on Tuesday revealed a spectrum of opinions, with residents expressing concerns, offering solutions, and questioning the future of education in their town. This article delves into the key arguments surrounding the proposed closure, exploring the reasons behind the recommendation, the potential relocation of fifth-grade students, and the long-term implications for Burrell’s educational landscape.
Declining Enrollment and Resource Allocation: The Rationale for Closure
Superintendent Shannon Wagner’s recommendation to close Stewart Elementary stems from several factors, primarily declining enrollment, the desire to optimize resource allocation, and the aging condition of the building. Over the past 21 years, Burrell has witnessed a 22% decrease in student enrollment. The incoming kindergarten class currently stands at 95 students, a significant drop from the nearly 130 students a decade ago. This trend highlights the shrinking student population, raising questions about the necessity of maintaining four separate school buildings.
Wagner emphasized the ample space available within the remaining three buildings. Stewart Elementary, with a capacity of 500 students, currently houses only 264 fourth and fifth graders, leaving a significant portion of the building unused. This underutilization, coupled with the projected enrollment for the upcoming school year remaining nearly identical, strengthens the argument for consolidating resources.
By operating fewer buildings, the district aims to improve the balance of student support and special education services. A reduction in travel time for faculty working across multiple buildings would facilitate increased teacher collaboration and create a smoother transition for students.
The Stewart Elementary School Building: A Question of Renovation vs. Closure
Built in 1931 with an addition in 1939, Stewart Elementary is the oldest school in the district. Its age is reflected in its deteriorating condition, with issues ranging from cracks in the walls and leaking ceilings to a problematic basement. An architect estimated a staggering $17 million cost to renovate the building, a figure that weighs heavily in the closure discussion. Closing Stewart is projected to save the district approximately $200,000, equivalent to just over a mill of taxes. This potential cost saving presents a compelling argument for closure, particularly in the face of declining enrollment. Kole Kaczor, a district employee and Burrell graduate, echoed these concerns, highlighting the building’s structural issues and advocating for closure to ensure students have access to better facilities.
The Fifth Grade Dilemma: Bon Air or Huston Middle School?
The potential closure of Stewart Elementary raises the critical question of relocating the fifth-grade classes. Two options have emerged as primary contenders: Bon Air Elementary or Huston Middle School. The Burrell School Board has narrowed down the possibilities to two main concepts:
- Option 1: Relocate fourth-grade classes to Bon Air, expand the cafeteria, and house fifth through eighth grades at Huston Middle School. This option, along with other necessary improvements to district buildings, carries an estimated cost of $20 million.
- Option 2: House kindergarten through fifth grade at Bon Air, expand the cafeteria, and construct seven additional classrooms. This option is projected to cost approximately $27 million.
Parents and educators have expressed divided opinions on this matter. Some view Stewart as a vital transition between elementary and middle school, fostering a sense of responsibility before students enter the more complex environment of Huston Middle School. Concerns about the social and emotional impact of placing fifth graders in a middle school setting have been voiced, with parents questioning the appropriateness of mixing younger students with older adolescents.
Conversely, some educators argue that fifth graders’ maturity levels align more closely with middle school students. Jessica Speer, a first-grade teacher with 17 years of experience, noted the maturity of her fifth-grade students, expressing concern about the potential influence on younger children if they were to remain combined. Morgan Endlich, a Burrell parent and teacher at New Kensington-Arnold, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that fifth graders are emotionally more similar to eighth graders than kindergarteners.
The Future of Stewart Elementary and Burrell’s Educational Landscape
The future of Stewart Elementary remains uncertain. While closure appears to be a strong possibility, community members have proposed alternative uses for the building. Jason Wagner, Lower Burrell’s Junior Council representative, suggested renovating a portion of Stewart into a kindergarten center and housing administrative offices. This concept would retain the building’s presence in the community while addressing the district’s needs. However, it is crucial to consider the long-term implications of any decision. Endlich raised concerns about potential future enrollment increases, drawing parallels to the New Kensington-Arnold district, which closed two buildings only to face overcrowding later. This cautionary tale underscores the need for careful planning and foresight.
FAQs: Addressing Community Concerns
Q: What is the primary reason for considering the closure of Stewart Elementary School?
A: Declining enrollment, coupled with the opportunity to optimize resource allocation and address the aging condition of the building, are the primary factors driving the consideration of closing Stewart Elementary.
Q: Where would the fifth-grade students be relocated if Stewart Elementary closes?
A: The two primary options being considered are relocating fifth graders to either Bon Air Elementary or Huston Middle School. Each option has different cost implications and would require varying levels of renovation and construction.
Q: What are the community’s main concerns regarding the potential closure?
A: Concerns range from the loss of a transitional environment for fifth graders to the potential impact on younger students if fifth graders are moved to the middle school. There are also concerns about the future of the building itself and the potential for increased enrollment down the line.
Q: What is the timeline for the decision regarding Stewart Elementary’s future?
A: The Burrell School Board cannot make a final decision on the closure of Stewart Elementary until 90 days after the public hearing date. If the closure is approved, it would not take effect until the 2025-26 school year.
We encourage community members to continue sharing their questions and concerns as the Burrell School Board navigates this important decision. Your input is vital to shaping the future of education in our community.
