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WINGATE -- Though faced with declining enrollment, the Bald Eagle Area School District will not close any of its elementary school facilities.
The announcement came from district officials Friday afternoon, after its board of directors began the planning process for its facility and educational programming needs in the spring.
According to a release from the district, the board commissioned a district-wide feasibility study by Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates in the fall of 2025. This was due to declining enrollment, fiscal responsibility and educational and facility needs, the release said.
Several elements and options from the study were presented during public board work sessions in March, April and May, the release said.
The release noted the board and administrators wanted to ensure the community knew the buildings would remain open for the 2026-2027 school year. It further noted potential plans to move grades 3 to 5 to Wingate Elementary will not be pursued in the same school year.
The board said it will review incoming kindergarten attendance zones and building assignments at future work sessions.
"The board of directors will continue to discuss and explore the needs of the district," said Tina Greene, board president. "We will strive to make well-informed decisions for our students, staff and communities. The board continues to seek and gather information in an effort to move the district forward, providing the best educational opportunities for our students now and in the future while being fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars."
BEA Superintendent Chris Santini said the board and administration have continued to remain proactive in its plans for the district.
"From the start of this process, our goal has been to proactively plan for the future needs of our district before finances or other factors force us to do so. Getting this right is more important than getting it done quickly. We will continue the work to plan for the future educational needs of our students and district," Santini said.