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NORTH MANCHESTER - The controversial reconfiguration of Manchester Community Schools' two elementary schools will come to a head at the next Manchester school board meeting.
The school board decided Tuesday to add the vote to the Aug. 6 meeting agenda.
"It's not going to be a popular decision, but it's a decision we need to make," board member Brad Perrott said. "I don't want to continue to drag this out."
The school board received a feasibility report in February. A task force was formed and reported to the school board in early June.
Since February, parents have wanted answers about the board's intentions.
"There comes a point when you bite the bullet" and vote, Perrott said.
The other board members agreed with a unanimous decision. Vice president Todd Speicher was absent.
Board member Thom Frantz said parents deserve a vote before school starts.
If reconfiguration is passed, it will not affect the 2002-03 school year.
The school board will assemble a transition committee to study reconfiguration logistics, although specifics are not laid out. The committee will iron out issues such as transportation.
Also, acting superintendent Kim Thurston withdrew his proposal to cancel the Gemini program at Laketon Elementary School.
Laketon Elementary principal and Gemini proponent Denny Craft added three more students to raise enrollment to 16 students. The corporation is aiming for an 18-students-to-one-teacher ratio. They allow a range of two students above or below the ratio.
Thurston said he could not guarantee the program would not hit the same scrutiny if enrollment is low next year.
Of eligible students, only 50 percent enter the program, according to Craft.
The school board members are: president Sally Krouse, vice president Todd Speicher, secretary Brad Perrott, Larry Miller, Thom Frantz, Kent Terrill and Caryle McLaughlin. Acting superintendent is Kim Thurston.
