As the Farmingdale School District continues to explore the possibility of moving 6th grade students from its elementary schools to Howitt Middle School, the topic remains a major source of public discussion and debate.

The issue dominated the Jan. 13 regular meeting, with a presentation from Howitt Principal Arleen Besner on student schedules and staffing needs, and public comment from several parents.

Besner's presentation included a nine-part student schedule and illustrated a need to move 35 teachers from the elementary schools to Howitt, and a need to hire an additional 14 teaching and administrative staff members, to make way for the move. With those new hires' salaries averaging $50,000 per year, the additional hiring is estimated to cost about $750,000 annually.

The sixth grade schedule would consist of the following: 1. English, 2. Social Studies, 3. Mathematics, 4. Science, 5. Reading (includes remedial reading), 6. Introduction to Foreign Language, 7. Physical Education/Opposite Band, Orchestra, Chorus or Science Lab Elective, Study Skills, or Computer Lab as elective options or Corrective Math; 8. Ten week rotations each in Technology/Home & Career Skills/Art/&General Music, 9. Lunch and Lunch Chorus (for those students taking band or orchestra). The Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, as well as English as a Second Language Program, Special Education Programs and extra support for students who need it will be integrated into the students' schedules, according to Besner.

Questions and comments from parents at the meeting ranged from the social impact on 6th graders associating with older children, to concerns about the loss of older role models in the elementary schools, to funding of the change. Some parents also said they had concerns about the social impact on their children when the proposal was first discussed a year and a half ago, but that they now support it. Other parents said that Howitt could provide a richer education, which, they noted, they need in order to meet tougher state learning standards.

School Board Trustee Troy Rosasco questioned whether there is enough research to prove the benefits of the move. He said he would like the district to consider using the money that would be spent on the move for other purposes, such as full-day kindergarten or reduced class sizes.

Trustee Dolores Saxton, a veteran of higher education administration, rebutted his argument about lack of research by noting a general lack of research on educational models.

School Board President Josephine Macchia commented, "Farmingdale right now is at the crossroads,"adding, "there are many issues which Mr. Rosasco has raised which will be at the forefront."

The Jan. 13 discussions followed the Dec. 2 regular meeting's exploration of building expansion associated with the plan. At that meeting, the district's architect presented a plan on school building options and potential costs, with or without the move, based on enrollment needs. If the 6th graders remain at Howitt, it was noted, a total of 40 new classrooms would be needed for the elementary schools, at a projected construction cost of $13.7 million. Even if the sixth grades are moved to Howitt, the elementary schools would require the construction of a total of 19 additional classrooms. Classroom construction costs associated with moving the 6th graders to Howitt ranged from approximately $14 million to $16 million, depending on configuration.

These building costs, as well as the cost of transporting 6th graders to Howitt, would be offset by state aid. The district is expected to present an outline of building, transportation, and staffing costs at a Jan. 27 public hearing on the possible 6th grade move.

According to Farmingdale Schools Superintendent Gerard W. Dempsey, Jr., the district is hoping that a decision from the board of education on whether the 6th grade will be moved will be made during February. The board is expected to vote on the matter at its Feb. 3 regular meeting. If approved, the plan would not be implemented until the earliest Sept., 2000, according to Dempsey.