The writing has been on the wall for 17 years now, but it finally looks like the Lemont Elementary School will close its doors.
On Sept. 24, the State College Area School District Board of Directors decided to trim the number of elementary school project options from eight to four, effectively saving the Corl Street Elementary from closure. On Oct. 10, the district administration said it would recommend narrowing the options to just one after consultants recommended renovations and additions as costing less than new building.
Regardless which option the board chooses, Lemont Elementary will close and combine with Houserville Elementary School.
“It’s been my understanding that proposals to close Lemont Elementary and combine with Houserville got started in about 1999,” said Ashley Eveleth, Houserville/Lemont Elementary PTO president. “But this generation is really excited to finally becoming one school. It’s been talked about so long now. This is definitely a positive step forward for our district and our children.”
The final public planning forum for the elementary school projects will be held at 7 tonight at Mount Nittany Middle School.
Lemont Elementary School was built in 1938 and houses pupils in grades K through 2. The school is located between Mount Nittany and Beaver Stadium.
When the reconfiguration occurs, Lemont Elementary will merge into its sister school, Houserville Elementary, which is located approximately a mile away near Fogleman Fields. This facility was built in 1958, and the property surrounding the school offers space for student gardens, an environmental center and a large playground. Students in grades 3 through 5 attend Houserville Elementary.
During the Sept. 24 meeting, the school board authorized a Section 780 hearing as the first step to closing and repurposing Lemont Elementary School. The remaining four steps include placing a notice of public hearing in a newspaper 15 days in advance; holding the public hearing; having a three-month period between the hearing and any vote to close the school; and holding a vote to close the school.
SCASD communications director Chris Rosenblum said the hearing date has not yet been set.
“To be honest, I’ve only heard from one person who was disappointed the school will close,” said Eveleth. “And, they were just upset because of the nostalgia. Everyone knows it’s the best thing for everyone. It’s just hard letting that sentiment go sometimes. I understand, I just don’t feel that way. Many people don’t. They want to see the change.”
Eveleth said combining the schools would save the district resources, such as supplies, books and cafeteria offerings. It would also save on some traveling for parents who had children split up and attending both schools.
“I know it’s only a mile away, but having one ‘Back to School Night’ makes much more sense than having two,” said Eveleth. “And there’s lots of examples like that. We have different book fairs and other events that should have been combined long ago. I’m sure many parents would enjoy picking up, and dropping off, their children at the same school. It just makes sense.”
Todd Dishong, Houserville/Lemont Elementary principal, expressed similar sentiments.
“The building itself is somewhat of a historical building and it really has its own feel, its own charm you could say,” he said of Lemont. “It has served the kids and community well over time, and while I think there is quite a bit of nostalgia there and folks will miss it, I know too that everyone is pretty excited about a newer facility. Having two smaller buildings has had its advantages and disadvantages. While the smaller feel and community in each building have been a plus, I know we’ll be able to replicate that under one roof with a combined school.
“I know most parents and families, as well as the teachers, are looking forward to updated facilities. While there will naturally be some challenges with the transition, I’m confident they will be minimal as we continue to focus on our district’s mission and providing our students with the best education and updated learning environment.
“While we have been very successful in our current arrangement, being in a K-5 building all together, I believe, will really strengthen our sense of community and support for one another,” he continued. “It will certainly eliminate bouncing back and forth between two buildings, with teachers having to alternate between faculty meetings. Now we’ll have one library, really have ‘one of everything!’ While we have had two buildings, we still always have considered ourselves one school. One building will officially make us ‘one’ now as we unite all of our unique talents and abilities to support the growth of students in the Lemont and Houserville community.”
“I’m really going to miss seeing the smiles on their faces when they ring that bell,” Eveleth said. “It’s tied to a long rope, and they just light up when they realize their pull is what got the bell ringing. It’s just a special moment.”
She said she will miss the nostalgia of the building too.
“It’s such a charming building, and I hope they really use it for something good and positive for the community,” Eveleth said. “A lot of memories were made in that school, but a lot of memories will be made when the two schools combine as well.”
There is one thing Eveleth, and every other faculty, staff member and student, won’t miss: the blistering room temperatures.
“Oh, it is awful,” she said. “The building doesn’t accommodate air conditioning so in the spring and fall, we’ve measured room temperatures in the 90s.”
