Busing, School Closure Contracts Awarded

The South Huntington Board of Education has approved two contracts that could lead to a school closing and changes in transportation.

Western Suffolk BOCES will study the possibility of closing Silas Wood Sixth Grade Center on Harding Place. In a presentation to the board in mid-August, Joan E. Townley, planning services coordinator at Western Suffolk BOCES, outlined a study would cover such categories as demographics, current and projected enrollment, facilities, options and other topics. The contract is worth $8,700, half of which will come back to the district through BOCES aid.

The transportation study will cost $14,000 and was awarded to Management Partnership Services.

In the August presentation to the board, Tim Ammon of Management Partnership Services said a study of how to handle future busing operations would analyze current costs and policies but also examine contracts, management of time and distance and several other topics. He said his company could produce a study in about 90 days.

At issue on busing is whether the district should continue use a privae contractor to provide services or continue to use district employees.