The Collinsville school board will wait on the results of a transportation study before they take steps to start saving for a possible expansion at Twin Echo Elementary School.

The board last week approved a study by Education Logistics Inc. that will look into where students live in relation to current transportation services.

At the Jan. 23 meeting, board Treasurer Ron Throm presented for discussion an idea to start setting aside $250,000 each school year to save for the construction of an addition at Twin Echo that could eliminate the need for portable classrooms at the school.

"I've always wanted to see those portable classrooms eliminated," school board President Gary Peccola said. "I think most of the board does too, it's a matter of wanting to get a little more information and making sure money is available."

The study will help the district analyze transportation spending, Superintendent Robert Green said. At the end of the 2011-2012 school year, the district anticipates being $300,000 in the red on transportation funds, according to Green, who called the estimate "conservative." Besides scrutinizing bus costs, Green said the study could determine if the district's attendance boundaries need to be reconsidered, which could alleviate crowding at Twin Echo.

"If you look at our district map, students attending Twin Echo live by the middle school," he said. "The consulting project will look at where the students live and help us determine the most efficient or cost effective way (to fund transportation). It may cause some realignment of district boundaries, but we can't speculate on that now."

Around 270 students are enrolled at Twin Echo this year, according to principal Julie Haake. There are two classrooms per grade, with the exception of third grade which has three classes. Last year, the school had to give up its library to make more classrooms.

"We are definitely at capacity," Haake said.

She estimates the portable classroom has been in use for at least 12 years. The unit is divided into two classrooms, which are used to provide some students with additional instruction in reading and math, and for special education services.

There are at least 20 students utilizing the space at one time. The unit does not have a bathroom, and students have to be escorted back and forth by an adult.

Some board members expressed concern over labeling an account exclusively for Twin Echo, but would be in favor of setting money aside for future construction projects. The district recently applied for a $5 million early childhood construction grant, that if awarded, would be used to turn Twin Echo into an early childhood education center and get rid of the portable classrooms. The district would be responsible for 10 percent of the grant amount, $500,000.

Throm pointed out in the meeting that amount could be reached in two years by setting aside his suggested $250,000.

Green said the transportation study will likely take three or four months to complete.

"I don't think waiting two or three months will cause a big problem," said Green. "But I think that's an issue that deserves the board's attention."

He stressed that even though the current board could designate a fund for Twin Echo, it doesn't mean future boards would honor the label. He'd like to see a plan in place to address potential problems, like the crowding at Twin Echo.

"I just think it's a wise way to do business," he said. "Especially when your resources are tight."

Contact reporter Sarah Baraba at 618-344-0264, ext. 133

Other school board business

• Approved a $94,000 bid  for a sound system and scoreboard at Kahok Stadium

• Approved policy that only black pants, shorts or skirts be worn with athletic uniforms

 

* This article has been corrected to show the $94,000 bid was for a sound system and a scoreboard at Kahok Stadium.