At the last Red Clay Consolidated School District Board of Education meeting Wednesday, Sept. 16, the board passed the new school choice policy and approved the financial position report.
The school choice policy closes North Star Elementary, Linden Hill Elementary and Brandywine Springs Elementary schools for school choice. James Buckley, board president said the three elementary schools are overcrowded and over capacity. The policy is only in effect for this school year. Next year, the district will reassess the situation and make a decision based on the student population at each school.
Irwin Becnel, board member suggested creating a waiting list for those who wish to send their children to a school instead of closing it completely. There could be a waiting list for those students who want to choice into one of the schools, he said, but they won’t get in if it’s filled.
Kim Williams, board member said Brandywine Springs is the most over crowded school with 825 current students and a capcacity of 660.
Buckley said by putting this policy into effect the district will limit the number of students coming into the school to get closer to capacity.
“There’s no way the students will get into the school next year,” he said. “Why not be up front with them.”
The board passed the school choice policy 4-2 with the absence of board member, Eric Randolph.
“We’re stating the obvious,” Buckley said. “Why string people along. These schools are crowded. It is just for this year. This year, we know the schools have no room for choice students.”
Financial position report
Buckley said the district has to report to the Delaware Department of Education a couple times a year, about their financial position. According to Buckley, county taxes are not due until Sept. 30 therefore; the district must have enough funds to cover employee paychecks for all district employees until county taxes are received. The district will not receive tax money until Oct. 15.
“We have enough money to pay paychecks,” he said. “This is a big one because if we come up short the state asks questions.”
