The oldest continuously-operated school in the state will relinquish that title at the end of this school year, as the Arlington School Board made the "difficult and emotional decision" to close Trafton Elementary School at its June 14 meeting.

After a 90-day review that included several opportunities for public comment, the board concluded that the district's continued budget crisis, coupled with excess capacity in other elementary schools and the facility needs at Trafton, made the school closure the best move for the district's 5,200 students.

The Arlington School District faces a budget shortfall of $1.7 million for 2010-2011 school year, on top of a $3.8 million reduction for the current year. Factors that have led to the budget crisis include declining enrollment, federal and state funding reductions, and ongoing salary and benefit commitments for contracted employees. The board estimates a savings of approximately $275,000 annually by moving Trafton students to other district schools.

"Our focus now is to finish the year strong and on a positive note, helping students and families transition to their next educational opportunity," said Ed Aylesworth, principal of Trafton Elementary.

Not all Trafton supporters are so pragmatic.

Mike Ray, spokesperson for Keep Trafton Alive, commented, "All of the families at Trafton are very disappointed with the decision of the School Board. We do not like the way the information was processed, and the lack of a direct interaction between ourselves, the School Board and the administration."

"Most of us parents sobbed to see our beloved school shut after 122 years in our community, all because the board has made such horrible financial decisions," said parent Shannon Oquist. "The school district built new schools and a new performing arts center, all while neglecting the existing schools. Then rather than admitting their mistakes, they punish us and close our school, and we are the only school in the district with proven success."

Counselors have been available to students on campus this week. Efforts are already underway in the district to aid families' transitions to neighborhood schools.

Trafton Elementary was a school of choice within the district, meaning enrollment was not based on geographic boundaries. Most of the 135 or so students who have attended Trafton live in the neighborhoods served by Eagle Creek Elementary, which has room for an additional 200 students.

"These continue to be challenging times, but this is an incredibly strong, resilient organization, doing great things for our students," said the district's superintendent, Dr. Kristine McDuffy.

The school's community supporters are not calling it quits.

"We are still working towards the opening of Trafton School, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future," said Ray. "We are equally concerned for the future of the Historic Trafton School Building. We do not feel the School Board will be able to take care of the building in a manner that will preserve its historic status."

In late May, the school building was added to the list of endangered historic structures by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.