Document text
53 °F 5 Day Forecast Saturday, November 29, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend November 13, 2002 Ashland school board considers two closures ASHLAND — The Ashland School District board has unanimously agreed to consider closing two elementary schools. The board announced Monday — despite pleas from parents to reconsider — that it would advise the district’s School Closure Committee to consider several options, among them closing two schools. Superintendent Juli Di Chiro urged the vote, noting it might alter the committee’s recommendation to the board, due Dec. 2. ASD officials in May began exploring the possibility of closing one of the district’s five elementary schools because of a $3.1 million budget shortfall. But a study conducted this summer predicted that the district’s enrollment will fall faster than expected, dropping 15 percent by 2007. Fewer students means less state funding. "It is possible to have all our elementary students at three sites," Di Chiro said. According to board Chairman John Maurer, closing a school would free up money for other budget items. "That (money) goes back into paying teachers, that goes back into reducing class size," Maurer said. However when asked for a guarantee that classes would be small, the board was hesitant to make any promises. Board Vice Chair Amy Amrhein urged parents to keep an open mind, saying "We’re in a dire situation." A board work session will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, in the Ashland High School Commons to hear the findings of the School Closure Committee and take public comment. The next regular session will be Dec. 9. Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times