At a May 24 public hearing, more community supporters spoke out in favor of keeping Trafton Elementary School open and operating as a school of choice in Arlington.

The school district is considering closing the historic building as part of its $1.7 million budget solution. Officials estimate savings of $277,000 in operating costs by shuttering the old building and using surplus classroom space at its other elementary schools.

Terri Forslof, a spokesperson for Keep Trafton Alive, disagrees with the district's figures.

"Many parents are talking about taking their students out of the Arlington School District if Trafton is closed," Forslof said at the hearing. "Parents will opt to homeschool their children, or send them to a private school or another district."

Since state education funding is based on enrollment, if 28 of Trafton's 135 students leave the district, it would mean a reduction of $277,200 based on last year's allocation of $9,900 per pupil.

The grassroots organization also finds fault in the district's estimates for needed repairs to the historic building, which is listed on the state's Heritage Register and the National Register of Historic Places.

Citing problems with the bell tower, aging portables and insufficient restrooms, district spokesperson Misti Gilman said maintenance costs could equal $1 million over the next few years.

Forslof said the building's immediate needs could be met by about $23,000 in repairs. The support group has already collected $18,000 in cash donations and a pledge of $4,300 from Martin Lumber in Everett to help fund the work.

Anticipating the school's closure, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation has added Trafton Elementary School to its list of Most Endangered Historic Properties. Since the building is in no danger of being torn down, district officials were surprised by its inclusion.

Chris Moore, field director for the Trust, explained, "As far as historic preservationists are concerned, the highest purposes and best uses of historic properties are the original ones for which the building was built."

Trafton Elementary School is considered the oldest continuously-operated public school in the state. The current structure, built in 1912 after a fire consumed the original 1888 building, retains its original architecture with four large classrooms, a bell tower and a bronze school bell.

The Trafton issue is not the only one facing school board members. ASD superintendent Kristine McDuffy has notified six certificated staff members they are subject to RIFs after the school year ends, and reductions to classified staff are still to come.

A decision on the school's future use is expected at the June 14 School Board meeting. The location for the meeting is still to be determined. Check the Web site at www.asd.wednet.edu for updated information.