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Re: “WA districts facing steep enrollment declines consider closing schools” [Jan. 18, Education Lab]:
Our child, like many others, had a very difficult kindergarten experience during the pandemic. Getting into Odyssey Multiage Program K-8 in Bainbridge Island for first grade was the best thing that happened to us. He loves school and is thriving, due to the good environment fit, and his need for paraeducator support has declined.
Our school district now faces a budget crisis and announced plans for school closure, consolidation, and/or relocation. While our superintendent is making a commendable effort to find a way to preserve our school communities, the harsh reality is there is not enough money to sustain three elementary schools — or the time to figure out how to effectively consolidate.
Despite stable enrollment figures before the pandemic, recovery from pandemic losses has been slow, per the Bainbridge School District’s Enrollment Numbers & Demographics Report. The state needs to give schools a chance to recover their enrollment and to fully fund public education. School closures could further decrease enrollment. It’s unfair and unethical to subject children, already impacted by the pandemic, to additional educational disruptions.
Claire Richards, Bainbridge Island
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