Despite strong opposition from parents and students, the East Ramapo School Board announced its decision Wednesday to close down Colton Elementary School in Spring Valley.

Taking into consideration a multimillion-dollar budget gap and declining enrollment, East Ramapo Central School District Superintendent Ira Oustatcher asked the board to consider closing the school.

"We were shocked and feel it came out of nowhere because the superintendent's recommendation was to close Lime Kiln and possibly Hempstead," says Colton PTA President Susan Weiner, referring to two local schools previously slated for closing.

A planning committee will work with Colton parents, teachers and staff during the transition. Many of Colton's students are likely to be sent to Hempstead Elementary School in September, but no final decision has been made.

The school board says the timing of the closure is appropriate because the principal of Hempstead Elementary School is retiring, allowing the principal of Colton to take his place.