I attended the meeting last week regarding the consolidation of the 2 island elementary schools.Â
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.
 Well, the weather report was correct after all. 
 The news reported falling temperatures, but it’s still 70 degrees at the shore.
 Worth the extra effort to see the ocean and sky after the storm 🙂
 Be sure to look both ways as you enter the beach from the path- vehicles are permitted on the beach this time of year (with a valid municipal permit).
Coastal Storm
 Coastal storms in the early fall catch property owners off guard.  Damage is most likely to occur from unsecured household items:  outdoor furniture; trash cans sitting in the side yard; awnings and umbrellas on the deck.Â
Make sure your beach house is ready for the weather later this week.  Also on the “to do” list: close the crawl space vents and drain the outside shower.