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Committee discusses moving preschool to Davisville Academy; costs, security and capacity to be clarified
Summary
School officials presented a plan Feb. 4 to move the district preschool from Fishing Cove to Davisville Academy next year; basic relocation was budgeted at $50,000, but site work, pavement, playground and security improvements could raise the cost.
The committee discussed a proposed move to place the district preschool program at Davisville Academy (DA) rather than its current Fishing Cove location.
Administration said the district has set aside $50,000 in the current budget for the move and that basic relocation and setup would be covered within that amount. Christopher (Chris) of the facilities staff provided an estimate of additional optional items — such as improved asphalt work, playground access and site prep — that would raise costs. Committee members and staff discussed a likely additional range of about $20,000–$25,000 for some site work and noted other optional improvements could raise the total further; staff agreed to provide a refined estimate.
Committee members asked several practical questions: whether restrooms sized for preschoolers would require modification, how dismissal and parent pick‑up could be handled safely, whether a gated dismissal area is needed, how badge/vestibule security would work in the DA layout, and whether moving preschool frees needed classroom space at other elementary schools. Administration said some minor facility adjustments — locks, badge readers, fencing — could be required but described them as relatively minor compared with, for example, full pavement replacement. Chris said the largest optional items were asphalt and playground upgrades.
Why it matters: moving preschool affects classroom counts, special‑education placements and the district’s facility plan. Committee members asked that staff quantify whether the move increases preschool capacity and how it would affect enrollment at other elementary buildings.
Discussion vs. decision: no vote was taken. The administration said the plan for next year is to relocate the existing five preschool classes to Davisville Academy and not expand the program immediately; committee members asked for a longer‑range capacity analysis and for a list of one‑time vs recurring costs associated with the move.
Next steps: staff will provide (1) a more detailed cost estimate for site work and security adjustments, (2) an inventory of furniture/fittings to be moved or purchased, and (3) a capacity analysis showing how many additional preschool seats (if any) the DA location could host in a multi‑year plan.
