Avalon & Stone Harbor Elementary Schools

I attended the meeting last week regarding the consolidation of the 2 island elementary schools. 

Based on the study presented at the meeting:  projected enrollment for each school is not expected to rise.  Avalon has an average of 75 students; Stone Harbor 69.  Tuition students- approximately 10 per school.

The Avalon School has a capacity for 200 students; Stone Harbor 150 students.  If the 2 schools combined, the average class size would be 15 students.

The cost savings to the tax payers- less than $100 per year.  The real benefit is the social interaction for the students and ultimately, a better education.

The school boards have 3 options:  1) no change; 2) a send/receive agreement utilizing both facilities with the lower grades in Stone Harbor, and the higher grades in Avalon; 3) a complete merger to one facility- the Avalon structure is newer and larger, so the likely choice.

The send/receive option is the easiest to implement and does not require a public vote.  Both school boards are discussing the study now.