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There are currently 494 elementary students, and district studies indicate that those numbers, even with mid-range housing development such as the proposed Carvel property, would drop to 492 by 2012-13.
Since last year, the district has also been working with Jason Friedman of Educorps, a consulting firm that has assisted with efforts.
Board Vice President Bruce Kimball made a motion for the board to consider adopting the EFUC Reconfiguration plan recommendation, and it was seconded. He has served as a member of the EFUC.
Under the plan, the Early Childhood Center for grades K-2 would occupy an estimated 234 students, an increase of 49. It would allow 12 classrooms to be used for basic instruction and 10 classrooms to be used for ancillary services.
Assistant Superintendent Catherine Parsons said in December the cost of reconfiguring both buildings would range between $170,000 to $290,000.
A study predicts the plan would also include approximatly 267 students within the Intermediate Education Center for grades 3-5, a decrease of 42 students. It will also have 12 classrooms used for basic instruction and 23 classrooms used for special subjects, ancillary services and the Astor Head Start program.
Board President Helene McQuade said at a previous meeting the board decided to make a change in its structure when class size inequities were discovered more than two years ago.
McQuade announced during the meeting the board had several options from which to make a decision.
The board could have voted to close Cold Spring Elementary School, have both the elementary schools housed at Seymour Smith Elementary School, or left everything as was. The school closing feasibility report determined that only Seymour Smith had the capacity to accommodate all elementary school students, an option later turned down.
"The board was careful in its deliberation," said Superintendent Linda Kaumeyer via phone. She said a committee consisting of parents, members of the community, administrators, faculty and staff was formed (EFUC) beforehand to address the schools' needs.
Moving classrooms, examining transportation, to orientating parents and students are some of what Kaumeyer said is involved between now and this fall, when the district expects the EFUC plan to take effect.
"I'm going to agree the K-2/3-5 program is the best option," said board member Karen Lindsay, who recommended the board look at exactly how much money it would cost the district to implement such changes.
"I recognize this might not be the first choice, but in my mind it's the best choice," Kimball said, citing it will save taxpayers money and will unify the district. He did not wish to see Cold Spring Elementary School close.
The road less traveled
"It's not going to be a perfect road for anyone," said board member JoAnn Wolfe, when referring to comments made by residents about a bus ride of up to 60 minutes one-way for some students under the plan.
But the road may be smoother, as one report notes there will still be 19 bus runs. However, 43,000 miles a year would be saved since the bus garage is already at Seymour Smith Elementary.
The guidelines, under the plan, reveal no student will be on a bus longer than 60 minutes one-way, morning or afternoon. Students with longer morning ride times will have shorter afternoon ride times, and vice versa.
"I was a little disappointed (in bus ride time)," said Clinton resident Nathaniel Hieter, who will have three youngsters just beginning to enter the school district. "I'm just curious what some people consider to be an acceptable bus ride for a 5-year-old child," he asked the board.
"It won't get worse, that's all we can tell you," McQuade said.
"It's not just about the education programs, it's about the quality of life," Hieter said.
"I think I could get here in a car, 30 minutes," Hieter said following the meeting.
"I like Pine Plains, I like it a lot. There's stuff here I can't get elsewhere" he said. But, he said, the fact of the matter is, "I can reach several other school districts faster."
He said there are many students who live on his road, and many of their parents have considered redistricting.
"I do not want my kid going to Rhinebeck." But the idea of an hour-long bus ride is beginning to drive him away.
He asked the board about redistricting. Kaumeyer referred him to contact the district office.
The board encourages members of the community to visit the district's Web site www.ppcsd.org for further information.
