Claremont, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Claremont School Board has voted to close Bluff Elementary School amid budget constraints. This decision will result in the transfer of Bluff’s students to nearby Disnard Elementary and Maple Avenue School starting October 20. The closure is part of a broader plan to address a significant budget deficit, leading to community concerns over student well-being and staffing issues. Discussions regarding future consolidations of students will continue as the board seeks to manage financial challenges effectively.
Claremont School Board Votes to Close Bluff Elementary Amid Budget Crisis
The Claremont School Board voted 4-1 on Wednesday night to close Bluff Elementary School as a major step in managing a multimillion-dollar budget deficit. This closure, announced just weeks into the new school year, will prompt the relocation of Bluff’s students and staff to nearby schools.
Effective immediately, the decision will see Bluff students transferred to Disnard Elementary and Maple Avenue School. The first day at their new schools is tentatively scheduled for October 20, pending an inspection by the fire department. Principal Melissa Lewis of Disnard has assured that the transition will not result in job losses.
The resolution to close Bluff was part of a broader plan formulated by the school administration to address the district’s significant financial challenges. The board discussed two proposals regarding school closure and staffing. The first involved shutting down Bluff Elementary, while the second proposal focused on reallocating special education services. Ultimately, the closure was chosen as a financial necessity.
At the board meeting, numerous parents and community members expressed their frustrations, urging that Bluff be kept open. Many voiced concerns over the negative impacts that moving students to new educational environments might have on their children’s learning experiences and emotional well-being. The board members also grappled with potential staffing issues in the future as they plan for smooth transitions.
Interim Business Administrator Matt Angell emphasized that the closure decision remains flexible, depending on how capacity challenges may evolve during winter months. Besides the immediate closure, the administration suggested further consolidation of students and staff by October 15, 2025, aiming to streamline operations in line with financial realities.
In light of the budget constraints, the restructuring plan suggests designating Disnard for kindergarten through second grade and Maple Avenue for third through fifth grade. Despite plans to consolidate quickly, several elementary school principals cautioned against the haste, advocating for a more gradual approach to maintain community integrity and support.
The school board has agreed to postpone the closure proposal for more discussions in their next meeting to ensure that all concerns are thoroughly examined. In addition to the school closures, allegations arose that the district has not fully met state and federal obligations for special education services at Bluff. The school board chair raised questions regarding the adequacy of staffing and resources for special education programs.
Claremont has been facing severe financial challenges, which have resulted in layoffs, the cancellation of athletic programs, and increased oversight of schools’ operations. Community outrage has also centered on a controversial severance package valued at $39,500 granted to former Superintendent Chris Pratt, raising questions on district expenditure during times of economic hardship.
The underlying financial woes for Claremont Public Schools are largely attributed to ongoing staffing shortages, resignations, and inadequate special education service provisions. Parents continue to express uncertainty and distress as these issues directly influence their children’s educational opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Bluff Elementary School closed?
Bluff Elementary was closed as part of a strategy to address a multimillion-dollar budget deficit by consolidating schools and reducing operational costs.
When will Bluff students start at their new schools?
Bluff students are scheduled to begin at Disnard Elementary and Maple Avenue School on October 20, pending fire department inspection.
Will there be job cuts due to the school closure?
According to Principal Melissa Lewis, the consolidation will not lead to any job cuts among the Bluff staff.
What are the future plans for student consolidation?
The administration has proposed a timeline to consolidate students and staff by October 15, 2025, with specific grade-level assignments for each school.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Decision | 4-1 vote to close Bluff Elementary |
| Closure Date | Effective immediately, with student transition on October 20 |
| Proposed School Assignments | Disnard: K-2, Maple Avenue: 3-5 |
| Concerns Raised | Impact on students, staffing issues, special education services |
| Budget Issues | Multimillion-dollar deficit, layoffs, and canceled programs |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Claremont School Board Delays Decision on Bluff Elementary Closure
Mayor Assures Safety of New Elkhorn Elementary Schools
Concerns Rise Over Safety at Elkhorn Elementary Schools
Additional Resources
- WMUR: Bluff Elementary School Closure Vote
- Wikipedia: Claremont, New Hampshire
- WMUR: Claremont School Board on Bluff Elementary
- Google Search: Claremont School District
- Valley News: Claremont School Restructuring Plan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Special Education
- Union Leader: Bluff Elementary in Claremont to Stay Open – For Now
- Google News: Claremont School Board
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