Clarkstown school district plans new uses for Congers building

Clarkstown school district is preparing to reopen Congers Elementary School as the new site for the district childcare program and a community learning center this fall.

An informational meeting about the new use of the school will be held Tuesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. in the Lakewood Elementary School cafeteria, 77 Beechwood Drive, Congers.

Childcare Director Sandra Wirchansky and Community Learning Center Director Marion Arbuco will discuss program opportunities that will be available as part of the relocation process. All are welcome to attend.

The red-brick Congers elementary building was closed to students in August 2013 after structural damage was found in the gym wall; workers are repairing the building and the project is expected to wrap up this summer.

In early February, the school board voted on a superintendent's recommendation to keep the building closed in order to address declining enrollment and a budget deficit, despite parent and student opposition.

To catch up on Journal News coverage of these changes over the last 18 months, go to: https://www.lohud.com/search/congers%20elementary%20school/.

In September, the district says it will move the childcare center to the former elementary school, located at 9 Lake Road, Congers. The program is currently registering students for the 2015-2016 school year. While priority is given to Clarkstown staff, the program is open to the community as well.

In an email to parents, Clarkstown officials said the amenities available to the childcare program in its new location "will make it an unparalleled preschool opportunity."

For more information, email Wirchansky at swirchansky@ccsd.edu or Arbuco at marbuco@ccsd.edu.