ITHACA -- Residents in the Fall Creek Community banded together and formed a "walking bus tour" to protest the proposed closing of Fall Creek Elementary School tonight.
Several parents, teachers, kids and other supporters met at Thompson Park at N. Cayuga and W. Marshall Streets and walked through the Fall Creek Neighborhood. The "Walking Bus" tour stopped at various locations along the streets to pick up additional riders.
Many supporters say Fall Creek Elementary is unique because it's small, local and walkable, Supporters of the school voiced several concerns over the possibility of the school closing, including the probability of preschool children having to take the bus to school, and other structural changes that will have to be put in place to accommodate the changes.
The Fall Creek Neighborhood prides itself on being a walking community and many say walking is not only healthier but cheaper and also allows parents and teachers to form stronger relationships. "The community right now is so civically engaged," says parent Helen Ann Yunis, "and one of the reasons that's occurring is because out of 220 students there are 154 walkers."
If the school shuts its doors close to 100% of the students will be bused to other schools in the area. Supporters for keeping the school open say the potential savings on the closing haven't been estimated yet, but says the community is willing to look for creative ways to solve the problem.
Parents are willing to consider combining classrooms and blending grades and say officials should take a deeper look at the administrative budget as another possible solution for keeping the school open.
