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Board discusses options to expand small rural elementary site to relieve crowded grades
Summary
Board and superintendent discussed expanding a small elementary from two to three classrooms to address high 4th/5th-grade class sizes and attract families; discussion covered staffing models, custodial and meal logistics, and infrastructure needs.
At the Vernonia SD 47J meeting the superintendent outlined options to expand the small rural elementary site from two classrooms to three, describing two main approaches: move an existing teacher from the nearby elementary or advertise and hire a new teacher if community feedback supports expansion. "Right now, we would look at expanding it from 2 to 3 teachers, 1 paraeducator to 2," the superintendent said while explaining staffing options and the necessary process for advertising and filling positions.
The superintendent emphasized that increased Average Daily Membership (ADM) tied to additional students would produce more state funding, but that timing matters: the district would likely see the ADM benefit the following year. He also detailed one-time and recurring costs the board must weigh, including possible custodial hires, meal-delivery changes and toilet and plumbing upgrades. When asked about toilets and water, the superintendent said replacing fixtures could cost about $8,000 and still might not fully resolve system issues; board members pressed for quotes and timelines to be included in the upcoming budget review.
Board members and parents suggested community engagement — including a town-hall session and an online option — before any formal decision. The superintendent said staff will prepare at least three plans to present to the community, and emphasized that expansion would not be undertaken without family input and feasibility analysis.
