Citing the budget crunch, East Somerville Alderman Bill Roche has revived the longstanding debate over whether to close the Benjamin Brown school.
The Brown, tucked away near Ball Square, is the city’s oldest and smallest school, with 237 students. It’s also the only K-6; other elementary schools run through eighth grade.
Roche’s goal at the Oct. 22 board meeting was to nudge the superintendent, Anthony Pierantozzi, about providing an analysis of the pros and cons that aldermen requested back in June. The resolution to request an updated timeline passed, 7-4.
Davis Square Alderwoman Rebekah Gewirtz said that families were pressing to get their children into the Brown - there were waiting lists for some grades - and that “from a cost standpoint, the Brown School is the most efficient.’’
Alderman Walter Pero, the board’s School Committee representative, said that emotions were outrunning logic.
The committee had long discussions about closing the school’s sixth grade during budget season but “great lobbying efforts by parents,’’ who brought their children to late-night meetings, won out.
“I’m sure they’ll be formulating their lobbying plans tomorrow,’’ Pero said.
“I didn’t think this was going to be a popular resolution,’’ Roche said, but “we have to look at every single avenue we can to save money.’’
He added that he was happy to analyze the option of closing elementary schools in his ward as well.
Danielle Dreilinger 
