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Montoursville Area SD holds hearing on proposed closure of Loyalsock Valley Elementary School
Summary
The Montoursville Area SD convened a public hearing to gather comment on a proposal to close Loyalsock Valley Elementary amid declining enrollment, aging facilities and multi‑million‑dollar maintenance costs; a board vote is scheduled for April 22, 2025 after a 90‑day comment period.
Richard Gault, the school district solicitor, opened a public hearing on the proposed closing of Loyalsock Valley Elementary School and said the board is following a provision of the state school code that requires a public hearing at least three months before any decision on permanently closing a public school.
Superintendent Darren Taramino told attendees the district is considering closure and consolidation for three reasons: aging facilities, declining elementary enrollment and to control costs for taxpayers. He said Loyalsock Valley was built in 1961 and last underwent a major renovation in 1983. “We just can’t afford that, to take on that amount of debt,” Taramino said, referring to a SiteLogic estimate that maintaining two elementary schools under a 10‑year maintenance plan would cost about $36,600,000.
Taramino reported current elementary enrollment of roughly 575 students districtwide…
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