Republicans Will Propose Closing an Elementary School

Board of Education Minority Leader John DeRosa told Milford Patch that the board’s four Republicans are united in their opposition to approving a plan that could lead to the closing of Harborside Middle School in three to five years.

While DeRosa and Republicans oppose closing Harborside, they are open to discussing closing an existing elementary school.

DeRosa said at Monday’s Board of Education meeting, which begins at 7 p.m., he will introduce a motion to discuss the feasibility of closing one of the city’s eight elementary schools.

One of the three schools mentioned for possible closing includes, Pumpkin Delight, Live Oaks, and Calf Pen elementary schools.

DeRosa said he believes it’s important to have that discussion because the Long Range Planning Committee proposed closing either one or two elementary schools in order to address declining enrollment.

He said the idea of closing an elementary school is nothing new to the community as its been publicly discussed for 18 months.

DeRosa said the idea of closing Harborside was sprung on the community at the last minute and many parents oppose that idea.

DeRosa said closing an elementary school is a “viable alternative.”

Democrats have said they oppose closing an elementary school, and have stated the preference is to approve a plan that would lead to Harborside’s closing.

DeRosa said they are several reasons why closing an elementary school makes sense.

• It’s fiscally responsible and will save taxpayers $500,000 annually.
• The board is planning a major redistricting and now is the time to do it.
• By closing one elementary school it should lead to savings, which can be used to add new programs in the remaining seven other elementary schools.

“This plan makes the most sense and is the least objectionable and offensive plan with the least amount of disruption,” DeRosa said. “It makes sense for that option.”

DeRosa made it clear that Republicans would never support closing two schools.

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