Amherst Elementary School Reorganization News

News from Tuesday’s Amherst School Committee meeting. Preliminary data on budget cuts to the elementary school budget was presented in general terms that did not specify how individual programs would be effected (art, music, instruments, transportation etc). Budget cuts were estimated at one half to $1 million. Interim Superintendent Helen Vivian announced that she no longer supports any restructuring of the elementary schools at this time and will instead focus on cuts to the elementary school budget. However the School Committee requested further data on the cuts that would be necessary to maintain our current elementary school configuration AND information on the impact of closing Marks Meadow, as well as under other reorganization plans, to be prepared to present a budget to Town Meeting in mid March. The 2 other plans are: (1) the pairing of Fort River-Crocker Farm, and Marks Meadow-Wildwood, and (2) creating three K-4th grade schools and one 5th-6th grade school. This information will be presented at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 10th. For further information regarding reorganization news check the Parent Council Blog for links to preliminary budget data from the ARPS website (www.arps.org), Interim Superintendent Vivian’s statement (www.arps.org/node/475) and School Committee member Catherine Sanderson’s blog (myschoolcommitteeblog. blogspot.com). Please check out the comments section of Catherine's blog, where community members and Catherine are having a lively, on-going discussion. Also, check ACTV to view reruns of Tuesday’s School Committee meeting. (It is possible to view some meetings online, although, last time I checked I was unable to view the 1/13 school committee meeting-Ann McLaughlin) Many parents were unsettled by Interim Superintendent Vivian’s reversal of a opinion regarding the elementary School reorganization and concerned about prospective cuts and added fees if we maintain the current configuration. I strongly urge you to mark your calendars and attend the February 10th School Committee meeting when further data will be made available.