Pocono News Section

Danville School Board OK's Consolidation

Danville School Board OK's Consolidation - Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 5:21PM EST

Danville, Montour County-
After another contentious meeting, the Danville Area School Board has approved a set of elementary consolidation plans.

After four years, they believe they’ve got it right.

A decision regarding the elementary schools had to be made soon, or the district would face severe fines and penalties on its bond financing.

But some parents question whether the new plans have their kids’ best interests at heart.

Parent Christie Knight said, “I would love to see the schools renovated. I think that would be an excellent idea. Like I said, I’m not interested in bigger classrooms for my children.”

But that’s not going to happen.

Tuesday night the school district unveiled their two-part plan.

The first part would reshuffle elementary school students and change busing routes next year. That has parents worried about long bus rides.

Knight explained, “My oldest will get on the bus a lot earlier than her brother and sister, so that’ll be somewhat difficult for our family.”

Administrators say no bus rides will last more than an hour.

Children in kindergarten through second grade will be sent to the Danville, Riverside, and Mahoning-Cooper elementary schools. Kids in grades three through five will go to Liberty Valley.

The reshuffling will allow the district to move ahead with plans to build a consolidated elementary school where the baseball fields currently stand next to the high school.

Parents and board members seem to agree that no perfect solution has been presented. The board was split yet again on both the reshuffling and consolidation votes.

Knight added, “I’m all for what’s best for the kids. I’m willing to pay extra taxes if it means my kids have better schooling.”

The board also voted Tuesday night to begin some renovations at Danville Middle School.

Administrators caution that any plans could still be modified if necessary to suit the district’s needs.