School Prepares for 40B Housing Population

With possible school-aged children moving into the new Marion Village Estates housing development, the Marion School Committee briefly discussed on November 5 planning for potential growth of the student body at Sippican School, come February 2015.

Superintendent of Schools Doug White said he is looking ahead to February and April – when residents will begin moving into the 40B Baywatch development off Front Street – and gathering information in order to factor new students into the Fiscal Year 2016 budget.

“It’s going to be important to us developing our budget,” said White, “[to see] what we’re looking at for numbers and what the impact could actually be on our building…”

White said he has spoken with Marion Town Administrator Paul Dawson, who White said is in contact with the developer regarding prospective occupants. School Committee Chairman Joel Scott added that he has also spoken with Selectman Jody Dickerson about receiving data on the age of children as soon as it is available.

“The sooner we know, the better,” said Scott.

The first 30 housing units will be released February 1, with another 30 on April 1.

Sippican School Principal Lyn Rivet said some current students at Sippican might move into Marion Estates, staying within the district.

“That’s actually a good thing,” said Scott.

School Committee member Christine Marcolini suggested that, in the meantime, Rivet provide a report on the current classroom sizes at Sippican. School Committee member Christine Winters commented that the housing development might also have an impact on class size at Old Rochester Regional and affect the School Choice Program.

Also during the meeting, the committee accepted an anonymous donation of $150 to support an upcoming event at Sippican School and a donation of an irrigation system valuing $1,430 for the Sippican Garden Club garden.

The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for December 3 at 6:30 pm at the Marion Town House.

By Jean Perry

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