The most pressing topic was the potential closure of Ashby Elementary, the only school in Ashby, which prompted concerns about the loss of an essential community institution. Six restructuring options were considered, each with varying financial implications and logistical challenges. The closure of Ashby Elementary alone was projected to save $381,000, mainly in technology and maintenance costs. However, this option would also eliminate the town’s sole school, raising emotional and community concerns, including potential decreases in property values and increased transportation costs for students.

Option two, which proposed closing both Ashby Elementary and Spalding Memorial, offered nearly $916,000 in savings by creating a consolidated campus for grades K to 5 and moving eighth graders to the high school. This option aimed to balance class sizes and provide access to extracurricular activities. Yet, it also echoed concerns about the loss of Ashby’s only school, along with challenges related to longer bus rides.

The committee also evaluated options involving only the closure of Spalding Memorial, with savings ranging from approximately $53,585 to $535,500. These options were designed to achieve balanced class sizes and maintain consistent programming. However, they too faced criticism regarding transportation issues and the disparity in classroom space between Ashby and Spalding.

There was a shared sentiment that the closure of Ashby’s only school would have far-reaching implications beyond the physical loss of a building. Concerns included potential inequities among students, increased travel times, and impacts on community dynamics and home values.

The committee also discussed projected class sizes, with estimates suggesting that budget cuts could lead to class sizes increasing to between 28 and 34 students. The potential impact of merging schools on class sizes was considered, as merging could allow for staff reductions through attrition rather than outright layoffs.

Community engagement was another point of contention. Members expressed frustration over the lack of involvement prior to presenting the closure options, noting that public sentiment against school closures was already well-known. The urgency of decision-making was emphasized, with a budget hearing scheduled for February 6. The committee was faced with the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with maintaining a supportive learning environment for students.

Superintendent Brad Morgan highlighted the ongoing budget challenges, stating that the committee was still early in the budgeting process and lacked final numbers from the state.