Building project a possibility for OV this year

SOUTH OTSELIC – New classes, new teachers and the possibility of a new building are all part of the plan for Otselic Valley’s upcoming school year.

With only weeks left until school is officially underway, administrators at Otselic Valley Central School said the biggest item of business for the coming year will be trying to finalize plans for a capital project. This year, voters in Otselic Valley will cast their votes on a proposed building project that would offer a combined kindergarten through twelfth grade campus in South Otselic. The school would most likely sell the elementary school building in Georgetown.

“This is a big piece for the whole year,” said Superintendent Lawrence Thomas. “If the public says yes, we’ll be going into the planning stage. If the public says no, the board has to decide where to go from there.” Thomas explained that no matter what is decided, there is maintenance and renovations that will have to be done.

Originally, the school looked at three possible options, merging with other districts, renovating both buildings and the combined campus plan. “Merging was off the table quickly,” Thomas said. However, the superintendent said if the project is voted down, the other options will be discussed again.

Enrollment at Otselic Valley has dwindled in the past, but Thomas said the numbers have actually gone up a little over the last two years. “We have about 430 kids in the school. Enrollment has held steady or even increased slightly. We’re holding our own,” Thomas said.

For the students, the new school year will bring some changes, including the addition of a new, full-time Home and Careers teacher. Last year, the school had a part time Home and Careers teacher through DCMO BOCES. The change to a full time position will allow the school to provide additional electives for older students. “We have more electives this year than we’ve had in several years,” Thomas said.