7-15-04 We think it is important, for the sake of historical accuracy, to set the record straight on the CEC's position regarding the closure of Acton School.
In the fall of 2003, after the School Board announced its possible intention to close Acton school due to budgetary shortfalls, the CEC formed a grassroots citizen effort to research and develop alternatives to the drastic of closing a school. During our efforts, the Board made it increasing clear that the school would be closing and no other options were being seriously considered.
As a result of the Board's intention [to close Acton School], the CEC shifted its efforts as the CEC felt it was futile to continue looking for solutions that would keep Acton school open.
The CEC then began to develop a strategy that included the closing of Acton school. Although the CEC was not in agreement with the Board to close Acton school, we refocused our efforts and developed various plans for consolidation.
Of all the plans submitted by the CEC and other community members, we endorsed “Plan D,” which would have retained Class Size Reduction in grades 1-3. Furthermore, our endorsement was made with the unequivocal caveat that consideration of any plan would require the review and updating of the Meadowlark School Environmental Impact Report, inclusion of the cost of additional restroom requirements at Meadowlark and inclusion of the real costs of the relocation of portable classrooms, as opposed to rough estimates provided by the District, prior to any final decision to implement any plan.
Unfortunately, without first exploring these crucial elements, the Board chose to adopt “Plan C,” and immediately began implementation.
Based on the above facts, it is erroneous for the Board, and more specifically Mr. Harbeson, to suggest that the CEC had supported the Acton school closure, when we had not. In fact, we have continued to research and identify potential budget strategies that could possibly resolve the budget crisis with the least amount of disruption to students, parents, teachers and staff.
Hopefully we have clarified our position and removed any doubt about the primary intent and preference of the CEC. The Committee whole-heartedly believes that the top priority of the District and the community is to recognize that the highest financial priority of our District must be directly related to improving student achievement.
The Community Education Committee is open to all members of the community. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, August 10, 2004, 7:30 pm at Hedgecock Hall, Crown Valley Road, Acton.
We welcome your input.
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