Shannon School Might Have a New Lifeline

The school district board could change its mind about closing Shannon Elementary School Wednesday, but the policy choice might not save the school in the long term.

Currently, the school is scheduled to shut down after this school year and transfer its students to Tara Hills, Collins and Montalvin elementary schools in the fall. Since the West Contra Costa Unified School District on that fate in January, district officials have said that it will cost $1.2 million to pay for portable buildings for students at the three schools. A staff report to the board estimates that the district would save, over the next four years, about $1.3 million from its general fund by closing the school.

Board member Charles Ramsey asked for the issue to be reconsidered at the board's Wednesday meeting. Ramsey said the school doesn't have that kind of money to spend, according to a Contra Costa Times article published Tuesday.

But even if the board reverses its decision, a state trustee could veto the move and order the closure and the transfer of students. Linda Grundhoffer, a state trustee assigned to overseeing district finances, has said she is likely to do so, according to the Times. Grundhoffer is authorized to rescind such fiscal decisions until the district repays a state loan.

The Shannon closure is one of  several the district identified in 2009, due to declining enrollment in the district.

Wednesday's meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Lovonya Dejean Middle School, 3400 Macdonald Ave., Richmond. It will be broadcast live on Pinole TV Channel 28.

The attached file includes the meeting agenda and other details.