School Closure Sparks Major Transition for Deaf Education Program

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the future of Davis Elementary, one of the district's oldest campuses, built in 1972. With a foundational score of just 16 out of 100 and a projected decline in enrollment over the next five years, the decision to close the school was a focal point of the discussion. The closure is expected to yield annual cost savings of approximately $450,000 and avoid an estimated $60 million in replacement costs.

The plan involves redistributing students and staff from Davis to nearby schools, specifically Harrington and Saglin. Notably, 75% of the student body, including all participants in the regional day school program for the deaf, will transition to Harrington. This move aims to maintain continuity in education, as many general education staff members from Davis will also be relocated to Harrington to support the deaf education program.

A transition team is being established to facilitate this process, ensuring that families receive the necessary support during the move. The team will include staff and administration who will work closely with families to address their concerns, particularly regarding the deaf education program, which has been highlighted as a critical component of the community.

Harrington is set to benefit from approximately $3 million in upgrades from the 2022 bond, which has already improved its foundational score from 57 to 71. The meeting underscored the importance of a smooth transition for both students and staff, with officials expressing confidence in the capabilities of the regional day school program for the deaf staff to ensure quality education during this change.