By Deb Henton, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Last week North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS) made two important announcements: We are considering closing the Main Street School and moving to a four-day school week.
As I have stated on numerous occasions since last year’s budget cuts, we are running out of areas to cut without directly and negatively impacting the classroom. We have largely made this district a shining example of efficiency, and no dollar goes without examination when we fashion annual budgets.
But, with no operating levy in place, enrollment declining, and more erosion of our funding at the state level expected, we are dealing with a worst case scenario trifecta. With little to count on looking down the road, we must take a hard look at cost saving measures not just for next year, but for the next decade.
We know we have space enough to operate with one less building, so we must consider it. The Main Street School is the most logical and economical choice. We know we can provide a quality education with one less day per week, so we must consider it.
However, we cannot make these changes without your help. We need your support; need you to keep an open mind and be willing to work with us to make these adjustments successfully.
Though they won’t solve the problem entirely, these measures could save the district hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, dollars that can go toward preserving the educational experience here at NBAPS. With your help the discussion and possible transition can be one that brings us together with a shared goal of protecting our classrooms.
Public meetings for the four-day school week will be Feb. 18, Sunrise River School cafeteria, 7-8:30 p.m., Feb. 22, Main Street School room 204, 7-8:30 a.m., and Feb. 23, high school auditorium, 5-6:30 p.m.
We are all in this together; what affects the district affects each and every family, and we all want the best education that can be provided under the circumstances. Together we can preserve that education even as we hope for a better tomorrow.
