Pocono News Section

Board Mulls Proposal to Close Elementary School

Board Mulls Proposal to Close Elementary School - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 5:13PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 @ 05:13pm EST
Montoursville, Lycoming County-

A proposal to close an elementary school in the Montoursville Area School District has some parents up-in-arms. If approved, the plan suggests closing Loyalsock Valley Elementary School, while consolidating and upgrading other schools in the district.

But the board is looking at other options as well.

Jane Choate’s two granddaughters attend Loyalsock Valley Elementary. She says the school is perfect for the district 's students who live outside the Montoursville borough limits. Choate explained, “All the children are from the same environment, the same background. They’re all little country kids, and it’s just a very special group of people involved with that school.”

But a recent feasibility study suggests a need to either expand the nearly 50-year-old school, or close it and add on somewhere else. Many taxpayers have balked at both ideas.

“I definitely think it’s going to be a stumbling block with the economy the way it is now,” Choate noted.

According to Superintendent Dr. Dominic Cavallaro, both options come at nearly the same cost, around $22 to $23 million.

One proposal calls for building an addition next to McCall Middle School. That addition would house 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders would stay at McCall. And all kindergarten through 2nd graders would move to Lyter Elementary School.

Problems with Internet access and other technology at Loyalsock Valley have been mentioned in support of consolidation. Worries about longer travel times have been an argument against it.

“I just think they should really consider not just the cost, but they have to consider how it’s going to affect these young, school-age children,” Ms. Choate added.

Superintendent Cavallaro says taxes will likely increase regardless of which option is ultimately chosen. The school board is expected to make a final decision by next month.

Parents are urged to attend a meeting Thursday night at seven at Loyalsock Valley Elementary School. All proposals being considered by the school board will be outlined. Another meeting will be held May 22nd at Lyter Elementary School.