The North Royalton City Schools’ administration and Board of Education are in discussions to close the Early Childhood Center and move Pre-K and Kindergarten to Albion Elementary, Royal View Elementary, and Valley Vista Elementary for the start of the 2015-16 school year. Superintendent Greg Gurka presented the idea to board members at the work session on February 5.
The discussion was initiated after review of the Early Childhood Center facilities and greater than usual retirements in the district. In addition, after examining elementary level enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year, the district is able to reduce elementary staffing through attrition and other methods. This in turn creates open classrooms that could accommodate the Pre-K and Kindergarten children at all three buildings, with the addition of a possible modular unit at Royal View Elementary.
The educational benefits of having the Pre-K and Kindergarten students return to our three elementary schools were a major factor in this decision. Driving factors in the decision-making process include:
• Students will have appropriate-sized classroom space for early childhood learning and also not have to transition out of one building to another at such an early age. Students will be in one building for five years, with the added benefit of being in a school environment surrounding by older peers and participating in all school assemblies and educational programs.
• Preschool and kindergarten students will be able to utilize the elementary school’s technology and computer labs, as well as receive a more enriching opportunity for special classes such as art, music, and physical education in a gymnasium.
• There would be transportation improvements, such as reduced length of bus rides for preschool and kindergarten students, being able to ride the bus with siblings and consistent pick up/drop off times for families.
• Utilize the existing elementary food service program. There are limited kitchen capabilities currently at the ECC. All students will benefit from the full hot lunch program.
While the educational benefits are the driving force in this discussion, there is also a cost-savings to the district. “With the elimination of rent, transportation costs, and other items, this move can have a significant financial savings for the district,” says Superintendent Greg Gurka. “But that is not the only reason for discussing this opportunity at this time. Even more importantly, it will solve the challenges of the Early Childhood Center’s ability to deliver the highest educational experience possible for the district’s youngest learners with no disruption to current programs and services.”
Superintendent Gurka has had a discussion with Sam Alai, Mayor of the City of Broadview Heights and he understands and supports the move due to the positive educational benefits to the children. “It is the responsibility of our administration and board to provide the highest quality education to all of our students, while at the same time be fiscally responsible to our residents,” said Gurka. “I believe the timing is right. The benefits to moving out of the ECC, which when started in 2003 was only supposed to be a temporary situation, and into the elementary buildings next year are numerous and the right decision.” The board will further discuss this plan at their March board meetings.