Suffern considers closing down elementary school due to declining enrollment
Suffern Central School District Superintendent Eric Gundersen proposed repurposing Viola Elementary, with two buildings catering to pre-kindergarten through second grade, paired geographically with two schools for third through fifth grade students.
Share:
More Stories
SCHOOL CLOSINGS: Closings, delays and schedule changes in the Hudson Valley
10ds ago1:27
Yonkers educators, parents celebrate signing of maximum temperature in classrooms law
10ds ago2:05
Mount Vernon families express concerns, frustrations as school district discusses potentially closing 3 schools
19ds ago0:23
Iona University Graduate named finalist in national LifeChanger Teacher of the Year Award
41ds ago2:42
be Well: Young scientist wins prize with pesticide detector invention
51ds ago0:18
Gov. Hochul announces new initiative to help high school students get into SUNY schools
62ds agoSCHOOL CLOSINGS: Closings, delays and schedule changes in the Hudson Valley
10ds ago1:27
Yonkers educators, parents celebrate signing of maximum temperature in classrooms law
10ds ago2:05
Mount Vernon families express concerns, frustrations as school district discusses potentially closing 3 schools
19ds ago0:23
Iona University Graduate named finalist in national LifeChanger Teacher of the Year Award
41ds ago2:42
be Well: Young scientist wins prize with pesticide detector invention
51ds ago0:18
Gov. Hochul announces new initiative to help high school students get into SUNY schools
62ds agoIn a school board meeting on Tuesday, Suffern Central School District Superintendent Eric Gundersen recommended consolidating the district's elementary schools, reducing them from five to four.
Gundersen proposed repurposing Viola Elementary, with two buildings catering to pre-kindergarten through second grade, paired geographically with two schools for third through fifth grade students.
According to Gundersen, there has been a 23% decrease in elementary school enrollment over the past several years. School officials attribute this decline to more families in the district choosing to send their children to private religious schools.
Gundersen believes the new plan will offer educational and social benefits, and the district has addressed potential issues such as longer bus rides and diversity concerns.
While some parents express mixed emotions, one advocate for preserving Sloatsburg Elementary garnered 215 signatures for a petition.
Another parent supports the plan, stating, "People in our district will finally be able to see why Sloatsburg is so amazing. Why wouldn't we want that? We will no longer be outcasts."
The board will review the proposal and feedback, with plans to convene on Oct. 24 for a formal public hearing and possible vote.
More from News 12
0:27
Scarsdale art teacher receives prestigious Carnegie Medal for bravery
1:23
10 high school students from across Westchester honored for leadership and service
0:15
Pleasantville voters say no to $15 million proposal for school improvements
1:50
Hudson Valley school superintendent pushes for federal funding to bring in more school resource officers
0:29
Mount Vernon High School students give free haircuts to senior citizens