ARLINGTON — People will have several opportunities in the next two months to voice their opinions about the possible closure of Trafton Elementary School.
The proposal is being considered as a way to help the school district beat the budget crunch. The district faces a $2.5 million income shortfall, and school officials are searching for places to cut.
At its meeting Monday, the Arlington School Board voted to take a close look at shuttering the beloved building, which is located northeast of the city. Trafton is listed on the state Heritage Register and the National Register of Historic Places and is considered among the oldest continuously operating schools in the state.
Closing Trafton is under review because of lower enrollment and extensive building repair needs, said district spokeswoman Misti Gilman. Eagle Creek Elementary School, several miles away in Arlington, is about 200 students below its capacity and could easily accommodate Trafton’s staff and students.
State law requires that the school district conduct a review before closing any schools. During the review period, people can attend several question-and-answer forums and testify at public hearings, Gilman said.
A final decision on the fate of Trafton School won’t be made until June, at the earliest.
Trafton Elementary serves 135 kindergartners through fifth-graders from about 70 families, who have been given a review-process timeline covering April and May.
District officials estimated last month that Trafton’s closure could save about $300,000 a year.
Trafton School was established in 1888 and rebuilt after a fire in 1912. The classic two-story building features huge windows, high ceilings, walk-in closets and an old bell on its roof. It is a community gathering place and has extensive volunteer support.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
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