ORWIGSBURG - Board president Heather Gosch said Thursday there will be a vote about Blue Mountain Elementary Cressona on Feb. 27 during the regular school board meeting.
"There will be a vote next Thursday to close Cressona, keep it open or delay a vote to another time," Gosch said after the committee meeting at Blue Mountain Elementary East.
The board is considering closing the elementary school to save money. A public hearing was held in November about the possible closure of the school that fourth- and fifth-grade students attend.
Depending on where elementary students live, they could attend another school. Currently, children in kindergarten through fifth grade who live east of Route 61 in Mount Carbon, the Gordon Nagle Trail, Seiders Hill and Cressona would attend Blue Mountain Elementary East in Orwigsburg. Students who currently attend Blue Mountain Elementary West in Friedensburg who don't live in those areas would stay in that school.
A task force formed earlier this year did not make a decision because they did not have enough information.
Residents of the district, teachers and Heath Renninger, principal of Blue Mountain Elementary West and Blue Mountain Elementary Cressona, and David Zula, principal of Blue Mountain Elementary East, were among those who commented.
The first speaker of the night was Gail Lund, 41, of Lake Wynonah.
"What is the total dollar amount that will be saved by closing Cressona?" she asked.
Superintendent Robert Urzillo said $216,000 for the first year and more each year after that.
"We know we have a pretty tough financial situation," Urzillo said.
Amy Moran, a second-grade teacher at the Elementary West, said the classroom space is limited as it is for second-grade students.
"The classrooms that are allotted for second grade are very small," she said.
Urzillo said the district has to be concerned about costs and how it affects the district overall.
Zula expressed concern about adding additional students into the cafeteria and the safety issue it can pose.
Jeff Faust, director of building and grounds for the district, said the district administration should be aware that the coal furnace at the West building will not work forever.
After the meeting, Lund said she believes the board is leaning toward closing the school.