URGENT UPDATE: The Northwest Area School Board has just voted to initiate a proposal that may lead to the closure of the Northwest Area Intermediate School. This significant decision, made by a 7-0 vote on Thursday, signals a potential consolidation of schools in the district located in Union Township, Pennsylvania.
The board’s action authorizes school administrators to develop a comprehensive strategic proposal aimed at consolidating the district’s schools. The plan involves closing the intermediate school, which serves grades three through six, and relocating its students to the primary and secondary schools within the district.
Northwest Area Superintendent Joseph Long addressed the community during the meeting, expressing gratitude to parents and homeowners for their engagement in a town hall held on November 13, 2023. He emphasized that the district’s consolidation investigation would actively involve community committees, a move that has resonated positively with parents.
Parent Karissa Kingsbury shared her support for this approach, highlighting the importance of maintaining a student-first mindset as decisions move forward. She praised the school board for avoiding drastic austerity measures that could impact the curriculum, such as cuts to co-curricular and special education programs.
The proposed consolidation could lead to significant financial savings for the district, potentially between $300,000 and $500,000 through gradual staff reductions via retirements, not layoffs. Additionally, consolidating transit routes could save another $300,000. Superintendent Long also noted that the district could generate revenue by leasing the closed intermediate school.
Long confirmed that there is adequate capacity at both the primary and high schools to accommodate the incoming students, ensuring that class sizes will remain stable.
In terms of next steps, a final vote on the closure of the intermediate school is scheduled for February 2024, along with a vote on related bids. Preparations for the closure, including construction and class movements, are expected to be finalized by May and June 2024.
As this situation develops, parents and community members are urged to stay engaged and informed about the consolidation proposal that could reshape the educational landscape in the Northwest Area school district. The urgency of this vote highlights the critical need for community involvement in decisions that directly impact students and education quality.
