Bethlehem, NY (WRGB) — In a vote of 5-1, the Bethlehem School board voted to advance a plan that would relocate more than 100 elementary school students within the district.
At their regular meeting on Wednesday night, the board voted to advance Option “3A,” which would relocate 145 students by changing attendance zoning district boundaries. Due to what they say is changes in enrollment, the district says Glenmont and Eagle Elementary Schools are operating at or near capacity, while Elsmere, Hamagrael, and Slingerlands are being underutilized and have unused classroom space.
The district hired an independent consultant, Tyler Technologies, to lead the K-5 Enrollment and Capacity Study.
Tyler Technologies generated attendance zone maps and studies, and in consultation with the district, narrowed newly generated zones into Options 3a and 3b.
The district opted for 3A, which relocates nine fewer students than outlined in 3B.
Several parents spoke out against the plans on Wednesday night.
One parent said:
Tonight isn’t about a map, it’s about ensuring student success as you weigh these proposals.
Effective September 2026, with the passage of 3A, neighborhood planning units 8, 16, 57, 58, 89 and 90 will move to Hamagrael.
Units 53 and 54 move to Slingerlands
In September of 2028, planning unit 40 moves to Elsmere.
Incoming 5th Grade students for the 2026-2027 school year are allowed to remain at their current respective elementary schools for the 2026-27 school year.
READ MORE about the school attendance zones here.
CLICK HERE to view the ‘Option 3a’ map.