Claymont Board of Education heard from the community during a Monday evening public session.
The meeting began with an overview of the district’s budget, how they’ve lost money over multiple years due to an outdated state funding formula and school choice voucher program. It was also noted that enrollment is down to 1,431 students, thanks to factors like online learning, homeschooling, and the vouchers.
Superintendent Brian Rentsch went over the options presented to the board, keeping all five buildings, two options would close the Intermediate, and one would close the elementary. The Claymont Board previously ruled to switch inside millage to increase funding from property taxes, which would help pay for a high school expansion to house 8th grade. The millage switch is currently in the court of appeals.
In the question portion, one was raised about placing pre‑adults with younger students by having grades 8–12 in the high school. Board members noted that students of different ages already mix on buses, and administrators explained that while some interaction would occur, the grades would largely be separated. The superintendent also pointed out that starting in 7th grade, students can take College Credit Plus courses, where they learn alongside much older students.
Resident and business owner Kevin Johns acknowledged the district is in a crisis and advocated for the board and administration to consider what will happen to the building if one does close.
“The reality is if you own a business or home when the money stops you have to do something. When we’re in a place right now when Uhrichsville possibly becomes a village we have a problem. We’ve got to come up with ideas. Can we make one of them a trade school? Can we educate people? I’m not saying that’s the answer. What I’m saying is we don’t want another Park School.”
The former elementary school building sits abandoned at the corner of Jewett and McCrea Avenues in Dennison. Other questions asked about finances and risk assessments of the buildings.
Dennison Mayor Greg DiDonato expressed concerns regarding the high school addition, which would cost an estimated $17 million.
“I hope you do your numbers because that’s $20 some million in debt, 6-percent interest on that. Do you understand how much interest in a year is on that?”
DiDonato also noted that, if a building would close, he did not want another Park school situation sits unused following a 2021 auction.
Speaking on behalf of the Claymont Education Association was Holly Lloyd, who noted disappointment that some questions were not fully answered, that finances would have to be requested, and that they wanted to know about all buildings in terms of maintenance and capacity, not just the two in the proposals.
“Claymont buildings are not just structures. They are the heart of this community. Decisions about consolidations or closures deserve the same weight, time, and inclusive process as the role our schools play in our students and families. We are also deeply disappointed to learn that the board intends to act on March 31st. That’s two weeks from tonight and this is the first opportunity we’ve had for a public forum for any input.”
Claymont talked about a possible building closure in December 2021, and around July 2025. The Board of Education’s monthly meetings are open to the public, with time dedicated to public participation. Each meeting also includes a financial presentation from the treasurer’s office.
Monday’s full public meeting, including the shown slides, can be viewed on the district’s YouTube channel Claymont YouTube.
Copyright WTUZ Radio Inc., 2026