The West Babylon Union Free School District is considering a plan that could close one of its five UPK-5 schools to cut back on costs.

The proposal presented at last night's board of education meeting would move students out of Forest Avenue Elementary School.

The district said it is facing declining enrollment, state aid uncertainties and rising costs for student services.

On June 4, 2024, the board met and with the superintendent of schools established a Long Range Planning Committee to look over several possible options to save the district money while maintaining high educational standards.

According to the district, West Babylon schools have seen a significant decline in enrollment of roughly 761 students over the last 15 years while maintaining the same number of school buildings.

The district projects enrollment will continue to decline over the next five years.

The study, presented at Tuesday's meeting suggested closing Forest Avenue because it's the smallest of the three UPK-5 schools north of Sunrise Highway with only 17 classrooms and concerns over transportation costs because of the building's location.

The study presented an option for the Board of Education to generate revenue for the district by renting out the building in the future. Consultants estimated the district could raise an additional $880,000 by renting out the entire building.

School officials said they hope to decide by the board's next meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 28 to implement changes as early as this upcoming September.