Schools

Poll Mulled for Potential LES Closure

A scientific telephone poll could be done to gauge public opinion on the possible closure of Lewisboro Elementary School.

The possibility of doing so came up at Thursday's Katonah-Lewisboro school board meeting, after board President Charles Day raised the idea in response to email feedback he received.

Day, who acknowledge doing so would neither be cheap nor easy, suggested it would cost several thousand dollars. While he said that a referendum could not be done because it's not legal, he noted there is nothing preventing a poll. As an example he suggested a demographic one with a few questions.

Board trustee Janet Harckham and Vice President Marjorie Schiff, suggested bringing the idea to the school closure task force, which will next meet on Tuesday. However, while neither was outright opposed to doing one they each voiced some concerns.

Schiff worried about adding it on as more work given where the closure process is now. Schiff feels that if a poll is done, then it should be executed well.

Harckham wants a poll that has reliable data. She also noted that the issue is not just about closing a school and worried about a survey including depth and breadth.

Fellow trustee Jeffrey Holbrook wondered how relevant a poll would be given that there are several questions about the closure that are not known. 

The next public hearing for the possible closure is on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at John Jay Middle School's auditorium, according to the district.

The potential closure of LES has been very contentious, with residents worried about disruption to children, whether the demographic trends will support the decision, and whether property values could be hurt. District officials, including board members, are looking at closing LES for savings, due to declining enrollment and for more operational efficiency.


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