Committee asks staff for data on closing Sandusky Elementary and potential student reassignments

A committee discussion of school consolidations focused on Sandusky Elementary, which appears in the district facility study as a high‑cost repair candidate. Committee members asked facilities and instructional staff to prepare a detailed report analyzing the feasibility and financial impacts of closing Sandusky and reassigning its students to nearby schools (Perrymont, Sheffield, Heritage), including projected savings, staffing implications and capital reallocation.

Committee members said Sandusky sits geographically between other schools and that student reassignment could avoid an estimated multi‑million dollar renovation. Staff noted that actual savings depend heavily on personnel decisions, natural attrition and outstanding contractual obligations; they said roughly 80–85% of the district budget is personnel costs and that savings would accrue over time as positions are not refilled. Staff also said some capital funds are already indicated for Sandusky in future CIP years (roof and MEP work in FY2026–2027) and that those appropriations could be reallocated if the board elects to close the building.

The committee motion requested staff obtain the Dominion7 facility study, develop class‑size and staffing scenarios, calculate near‑term and long‑term savings if Sandusky closed, and return with a report for committee and full‑board consideration. The committee emphasized the need for early, thorough analysis to allow time for community engagement and to avoid rushed decisions; members also noted that any consolidation planning would need to consider program space constraints and contractual obligations for staff and special‑education placements.