Ken-Ton mulls closing elementary school

KENMORE, N.Y. (WIVB) - Declining enrollment and rising costs are pushing the Ken-Ton School District into a difficult decision. Parents and teachers have been told to prepare for an elementary school closing.

Most parents we spoke to say though they understand, they don't agree with Ken-Ton School Superintendent Mark Mondanaro's plan to close Jefferson Elementary school after this coming school year.

The school was built in 1957, and has seen several upgrades over the last five years. But the superintendent says mounting costs and declining enrollment is the reason for his recommendation.

Mondanaro told parents, closing the school would give the district $2.5 million in cost savings, which could go to extra curricular and other programs that wouldn't be available otherwise. Students would be sent to one of four other nearby schools: Lindbergh, Hoover, Edison or Franklin. Parents wouldn't have a choice of where their child goes, which is a cause for concern.

Stephanie Schirrmacher said, "Franklin, I've had negative experiences because that's where she went for preschool, I don't want her to go back."

Parents are also upset because over the next five years, the whole Ken-Ton area could see re-districting. And that means their kids could have to change schools two or three times over the next few years.

Jim McGloin said, "My biggest concern is what he said about the five-year plan. Then do they have to move again? Do you really need to make this decision now? Can we maybe wait a couple years and see what the big plan will be?"

Jennifer Besancon added, "I think they should just make one swift move. If they're going to consolidate and save money, I understand that, but to do it all at once so my kids aren't shifted and bounced from one building to the next."

The superintendent admitted that nothing he said Monday night would make the parents happy, but said it's necessary because kids are losing out every year.

Mondanaro will give his recommendation to the school board Tuesday night at Hoover Elementary.