It's Official: Garden Street to Close After This Year

In roughly 240 days, the last Brewster Bears will walk out of a school that has been a staple in the community since the 1920s.

With a unanimous vote Tuesday night, the Brewster Board of Education moved to push forward with and close  at the end of this academic year.

The decision comes after the establishment of a long-range task force last spring and tons of questions from the public. Administrators point to declining enrollment and an outdated building — which would cost more than $11 million to bring up to today's standards — as factors behind the closure. 

While parents, residents and school officials have commented on the plans over the last several months, the only Board member to speak out Tuesday, aside from President Dr. Stephen Jambor, was Alberta Kozma. Her children attended the school.

As she tried to not let emotions get the best of her, Kozma told community members and fellow trustees that despite a "heavy heart," she would be voting in favor of the proposal.

The consolidation plans call for  to host the district's kindergarten, first and second grades, and  the district's third through fifth. 

Before the vote passed, two individuals publicly thanked Board members for their work on the decision. Village of Brewster Deputy Mayor Christine Piccini also spoke, urging officials to do everything possible — including considering name changes — in order to facilitate smooth transitions and a successful mergence of students.

After the vote, a group of about 10 people left the auditorium and gathered near the building's entrance for a few minutes before exiting. Garden Street Principal Eileen McGuire followed. She declined to comment on the vote as she headed back to the auditorium.

According to previous statements from Manya Bouteneff, the district's director of instruction, curriculum and professional personnel, the shifts will likely mean one fewer principal, reduced custodial and clerical staffs, and cuts for a couple of teachers. Decisions will be based on seniority, so Garden Street folks would not necessarily be the ones on the chopping block. 

Board President Dr. Stephen Jambor said that officials and staff members will begin working out the logistics of the move immediately. 

Administrators are not the only ones feeling a sense of urgency. Elementary school PTA members are hoping residents will share Garden Street memories and memorabilia — from newsletters to photos to accounts from folks who attended all 12 years of school there — for a final tribute in June.

Organizers are still working on the specifics. Those seeking additional information should contact PTA member Cristy Tierney by phone at 845-290-2110 or email at sagerbabies1@yahoo.com.