Does Strongsville Need 7 Elementary Schools?

With enrollment in Strongsville schools expected to dip below 6,000 next year, the district will take a hard look at how many buildings it really needs.

"We need an entire facilities study to plan for the future," Superintendent John Krupinski said. "Do we need seven elementary schools?"

Krupinski said he plans to recommission the Facilities Task Force to analyze the district's space needs.

Krupinski stressed that no elementary schools are being targeted for closure.

"This is not about a building closing," he said. "This is analyzing facilities."

Officials are projecting a decline in school enrollment to continue, with elementary schools losing about 300 pupils next year. 

That will lead to a reduction of 13 teaching positions in the grade schools. Assistant Superintendent Cameron Ryba said some teachers will fill vacancies created by retirements, but two teachers are expected to be laid off.

Classes entering the district are about half the size of those leaving. While more than 500 seniors graduated from Strongsville High School this month, incoming kindergarten classes have hovered at about 250.

Overall, school enrollment is expected to drop from about 6,200 this year to 5,800 next year.

Krupinski said he wants the Facilities Task Force to start its study in September. Meanwhile, anyone wishing to serve on the task force should contact the district.

Officials say declining enrollment is due to several factors, including an aging population and the fact that the district does not offer all-day kindergarten.

The eight-week teachers strike, which ended in early May, is also a factor, officials said.

As of late April, 62 students had left the school system because of the strike, and Ryba said last month that he continues to hear from area parochial schools that "parents are looking at all their educational options" for next year.