Brandon Twp.- As the construction of a new elementary school nears completion, a recent survey of parents found a majority of respondents want their children to stay in the school they currently attend.
The survey was sent in October to 860 parents of kindergarten through third grade students in the district. Parents were asked what was most important to them: their child spending as little time on the bus as possible; their child continuing at the school they currently attend; that their child attend the school closest to their home; or that transportation be provided to students to attend any school in the district they choose.
‘Overwhelmingly, parents indicated it is most important that their children stay in the school they currently attend,? said Superintendent Lorrie McMahon.
The purpose of the survey was to help administrators in deciding where to place elementary students after Brandon Elementary School, located off Oakwood Road, opens next year, replacing H.T. Burt Elementary.
McMahon met with all three elementary school principals and enrollment coordinator Patti Dixon recently to discuss the survey, to which 246 parents responded, and what it means with the new building. She plans to make a recommendation to the board by January.
The location of the new school would mean a long bus ride for students on the west side of the district and the cost of gas will be a consideration.
‘It’s not straightforward to just pick up the H.T. Burt students and move them over,? McMahon said. ‘We’re looking at what is best for the students… I’m not surprised by the results, people want as little disruption in their children’s lives as possible. Parents want stability of knowing the staff and their children having their friends with them.?
A move to the school is being considered for April or next summer. Advantages to an April move, McMahon said, would be keeping to the scheduled timetable and students having no move-in date in the fall for the first time in three years (due to other construction projects). The advantage of a summer move would be less urgency and students finishing the school year without disruption.