UPDATE: Residents in Presque Isle are raising urgent questions about the proposed closure of Zippel Elementary School, a decision announced by MSAD 1 officials earlier this month. During a packed meeting at Presque Isle Middle School last night, community members expressed their concerns regarding the district’s plan to consolidate schools, affecting grades 2-5 and 7-8.
The consolidation aims to save funds and provide essential services, including full-day kindergarten and special education for younger students. MSAD 1 Superintendent Ben Greenlaw revealed that this move is crucial as declining enrollment—down 8% since 2012—has left the district with empty classrooms, primarily at Presque Isle High School, which currently has 10 vacant classrooms.
If approved during the March 17, 2024 board meeting, the plan will see grades 2-5 relocated to the middle school and grades 7-8 shifting to the high school starting in the 2024-2025 school year. This change is critical as Pine Street Elementary, which serves pre-K to second grade, lacks the space to accommodate the incoming full-day kindergarten program mandated by the state by 2028.
Greenlaw emphasized the necessity of reorganizing the district to fulfill its commitment to education. “As a district, we’re going to have to reorganize, whether we do it this year or in a couple of years,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Community members voiced their concerns about the decision to close Zippel instead of Pine Street, questioning the rationale behind the choice. Greenlaw explained that the single-story layout and ample green space at Pine Street make it more suitable for younger students, suggesting that altering Zippel to meet those needs would be impractical.
Parents also raised questions about how students from different grades will interact in shared facilities. Greenlaw presented a detailed plan to separate middle and high school students, including distinct bell schedules, lunch periods, and bathroom facilities, aiming to ensure safety and comfort for all students.
The district’s previous proposal to close Pine Street in favor of the middle school as the new elementary school was deemed too costly, with renovations potentially exceeding $17 million. In contrast, the current plan will cost more than $1.3 million but is projected to save the district approximately $158,000 annually.
The most significant changes will involve the playground area at Zippel, which will be transformed into a new parent drop-off zone, while playground equipment will be relocated. Greenlaw humorously noted, “The front circle at Presque Isle High School can easily hold about four cars. It’s not a good plan in terms of drop-off.”
Four crucial steps remain before the closure becomes official: approval from the MSAD 1 Board of Directors, a review by the Maine Department of Education commissioner, a public hearing in Presque Isle in May, and a referendum during the June 9, 2024 primary election. Should the referendum pass, the district must determine the fate of the aging Zippel school building, which Greenlaw suggested may be handed over to the city, allowing for its potential repurposing or demolition.
As this situation develops, community members eagerly await the board’s decision, recognizing that the changes could significantly impact the educational landscape for many families in Presque Isle. The urgency of the matter has ignited discussions across the community, making it a pivotal moment for local education.
