Parents rally against school merger threatening community ties

Residents of Newport Ritchie expressed strong opposition during a recent government meeting regarding the proposed merger of Calusa Elementary School with Chasco Elementary School. A concerned parent, who identified herself as a local resident, articulated the community's distress over the plan, emphasizing that Calusa is not merely an educational institution but a vital part of their neighborhood.

The parent highlighted safety concerns, noting that Calusa's location is significantly more accessible for families compared to Chasco, which is situated on a busy road with higher traffic volumes. She pointed out that the distance from her home to Calusa is approximately half a mile, while Chasco is nearly two miles away, disqualifying many families from bus services and forcing them into car loops for drop-offs and pick-ups.

Additionally, the parent raised alarms about potential overcrowding at Chasco, citing that it currently has around 275 vacant seats, while Calusa serves approximately 400 students. She questioned the feasibility of accommodating all students from Calusa at Chasco without leading to overcrowded classrooms.

The meeting underscored the community's commitment to preserving their local school and the challenges they face with the proposed changes, reflecting broader concerns about educational accessibility and safety in the area.