Before running for the school board in 2018, just like everyone else, I’d heard rumors that Bloomingdale school was at risk of being closed. I thought I might offer a unique perspective as a Vermontville resident and Bloomingdale school parent to defend the need for our beloved neighborhood school. Once elected, my perspective and responsibility toward the entire district broadened. So every September, I mourned the size of each kindergarten class hoping things might change. They didn’t. Student enrollment has been in steady decline for nearly 30 years.

Refusing to address a shrinking student population was never an option. To do so would be a sign of an irresponsible Board of Education. Over the past several years, like my fellow board members, I reviewed enrollment trends, studied the reports, spoke to stakeholders, read every comment letter and email, listened to every concern and considered each suggestion openly.

Addressing this bitter reality is no simple task. The district is limited by existing infrastructure, under significant financial constraints, and despite what one might think, has only a few options to work with. While no option is quite perfect, one is pretty close.

Board members are elected to make difficult decisions to ensure the best and most equitable education possible is provided to every student while being mindful of the taxpayers who foot the bill — those that have plenty and those who struggle to pay every bill. Excellent education and fiscal responsibility, both are critical to a successful school system.

Many individuals who understand this district intimately provided input that helped me feel confident with my decision, as did speaking with community members throughout the district. My conclusion, and ultimately the entire board’s, is to reconfigure Petrova as the district’s sole PreK-6 elementary school and the high school to accommodate grades 7-12.

This school board has prioritized transparency, honesty and integrity throughout this process. Now, I ask that members of the public please TRUST that the board thoughtfully weighed every factor to come to the best and most responsible decision. TRUST that the district’s very capable administrators, teachers and support staff will execute the reconfiguration with all student’s best interest at heart.

I fully recognize that this issue is deeply personal. There is no doubt the Bloomingdale community is experiencing a profound and painful loss. I certainly am. Let’s take some time to mourn together … then let’s get to work.

Bloomingdale families — please rest assured that faculty and staff create a loving school culture, not the building. Your children will be safe, nurtured and receive an excellent education at Petrova. Class sizes will remain small and intimate, and with 7th and 8th grades shifting to the high school, there will be space to alleviate chronic scheduling conflicts from housing an elementary and middle school in the same building.

Middle school families — change is hard and it can be scary; however, relocating 7th and 8th grades to the high school offers new and wonderful opportunities that allow flexibility in staffing and course scheduling, and create a centralized hub for athletics and clubs. Many districts have very successfully utilized this configuration, as will ours. Our creative and capable staff are excited and ready to get to work. Please, let’s support them.

Community members — we’ve also got work to do. Let’s rally around finding how best to re-purpose Bloomingdale school so it can continue to be a treasure to the community. There are lots of great ideas floating around: leasing to Headstart or BOCES, transitional housing, a food pantry, YMCA programming. All ideas are on the table. Let’s find them together.

I’ll end with a quote from an article on closing rural schools: A school is a resource critical for making rural communities strong, but don’t confuse the resource with the community itself; the community is what emerges from the ashes, stronger for having fought. Closure doesn’t have to mean defeat … to close well –with strong youth and strong adults and a strong community — is also a victory.

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Nancy Bernstein is member of the Saranac Lake Central School District Board of Education and a resident of Vermontville.