Parents, bus driver and residents urge board to reconsider Pre‑K hub move

During public comment, three people raised concerns about a possible move of Pre‑K students from the neighborhood school to a different building.

Daniel Beaman, who identified himself as a parent, said his daughter Adeline has autism and that moving Pre‑K to AW Becker would force the family to manage children at two schools: “We have to change our whole lives for one year,” he said, asking the board to consult parents and to consider the transition challenges for children who rely on familiarity.

Frank McDonough, a resident, said communication about the proposal should have preceded registration and asked whether the hub move is driven by budget reasons or instructional benefit. He questioned whether combining classrooms would increase class sizes above the historical norms and asked for research and alternative comparisons from other districts.

Barbie McDaniels, who identified herself as a bus driver, told the board she did not see how routing one bus to New Baltimore, Queens and Selkirk to bring Pre‑K students to a different school would be feasible for a single driver. “As a bus driver, kind of enlighten me because I'm not seeing how it's going to be feasible to do,” she said, noting that multiple pickups and timing conflicts create practical and safety concerns.

Superintendent Chandler responded to the speakers by saying no final decision has been made and assured the public that any decision would be made with transparency and community input. Administration acknowledged transportation feasibility and operational concerns and said staff would take them into account as planning continues.

The board did not announce any final action on Pre‑K at this meeting; staff said the transportation implications and scheduling are being considered alongside the budget and capital plans and that more information would be provided before any formal decision is made.