A Vision of East Lyme Without Niantic Center School

Knowing that East Lyme Board of Education would be hearing recommendations from the school's Facilities Vision Task Force last night—and fearful that Niantic Center School may not be part of that vision—the school's PTA urged parents to attend and voice their opinions. And they did.

"I feel very strongly that Niantic Center School should stay so kids can stay in their neighborhood," said a middle school teacher whose son attends what is fondly known as "the fish school."  

"Niantic to me is the heart of East Lyme," she added. "We might be the smallest school but we have the biggest heart." 

But though a number of parents spoke earnestly about how much they appreciated the benefits of having a small, neighborhood elementary school—and pointed out that Niantic Center School was recently recognized as a "School of Distinction" by the state of Connecticut—it may not be enough to save East Lyme's third elementary school from closure. 

Task Force Recommendations

Since October 2011, the task force has met 11 times to discuss the future of the East Lyme School District. Over the past 18 months, task force members have reviewed the facilities assessment provided by architectural firm Kaestle Boos Associates Inc. and potential designs; heard construction estimates for various options provided by Ken Biega of O&G Industries, Inc.; and sought input from the community, from the town of East Lyme's 20-20 Planning Commission, and from school officials.

The 33-member task force started out with six options, whittling them down to three which they presented to the Board of Education last night in order of preference:

Option 1: The majority of the task force favored closing Niantic Center School and "renovating as new" Flanders Elementary and Lillie B. Haynes Elementary. 

The Pros:

• All students, and all programs including all day kindergarten and possible pre-school programs going forward, can be accommodated by two schools. 
• It would enable the district to better balance class sizes and more effectively use school resources. 
• This is the least expensive option for taxpayers, with an estimated cost of $34 million after state reimbursement of 42.5 percent. The maximum state reimbursement is for schools that are "renovated as new," which preserves the footprint of the existing building but allows the schools to be wholly redesigned. 
• Operating two schools instead of three would save the district an estimated $550,00 per year from the general fund, which amounts to about $11 million over 20 years, which would offset one-third of the cost of the bond. 

• It would eliminate a neighborhood school in Niantic and would mean a longer bus ride for students. 
  
• The "small school feel" would be lost.
• Depending on the future use of the Center School building, the town could lose the use of a gymnasium—and demand for this particular facility by community organizations is high. 
  
• School renovations are limited to the existing footprint of the schools. 
  

• New construction would allow the district to have its preferred design for the future. (Although that probably won't include the landing strip for aliens that one of the elementary students suggested!)
• The initial cost to taxpayers would be higher at an estimated $36 million, however, the general fund savings are also projected to be higher ($1.3 million a year). That's enough to cover the extra cost in almost one fiscal year and savings over 20 years would cover more than 60 percent of the bond. 
• The central location pairs well with intergenerational services provided by the nearby Senior Center and Middle School. 
• It would allow flexibility to accommodate changing class sizes and all programs, including all-day kindergarten and potentially preschool.
• It would be the most efficient use of staff and district resources. 

• State reimbursement is lower for new school construction—32.5 percent compared to 42.5 percent for "renovate as new" construction.
• The town would lose even more recreational space as the one school would house just one gym (although making it a two-court gym is a possibility). 
• Limited research into school size suggests that smaller schools offer educational benefits. For this reason, the task force suggests that the building be divided into smaller discrete units. 

• It preserves the "neighborhood schools," their individual cultures, and the small school feel. 
• It maintains the same number of gymnasiums and other facilities currently used by town residents.
• It ensures adequate classroom space will be available if the school population should unexpectedly grow. 

• Renovating all three schools as new is the most expensive option, with an estimated cost to taxpayers of $49.3 million. 
• It would net the least amount of savings, just $100,000 a year and the 20-year savings would cover just 4 percent of the bond. That's because the state reimbursements are based on square footage and student population. This option has the most square footage but after this year, school enrollment is projected to decrease over the next eight years. 
• Allocation of school funds, resources, and class sizes would remain inequitable. 
• The district would realize no efficiencies in staffing, maintaining, and equipping three schools.