JOHNSTOWN - Greater Johnstown School District officials said Wednesday's opening of the 2009-10 school year seems to be smoothly on track as the district downsizes from four to three elementary schools.
District Superintendent Katherine Sullivan said Wednesday that all families involved have been notified what building their elementary-age children will attend with the closing of Jansen Avenue Elementary School. New kindergartners, as well as redistricted students in grades one through six, will attend either Warren Street, Pleasant Avenue or Glebe Street elementary schools.
"The students and parents are aware [of where they'll be attending]," Sullivan said.
She said the rerouting of elementary students for the new school year has resulted in the displaced Jansen Avenue Elementary School students going "mostly" to Pleasant Avenue Elementary School.
Sullivan said the attendance of students at Glebe Street Elementary School is remaining mostly the same, although some Glebe Street students from last year will attend the other two schools this school year.
The superintendent said programs were conducted this week, welcoming families and students to their new learning facilities. Formal open houses for the schools have been scheduled by the district as follows: Pleasant Avenue - Sept. 23; Glebe Street - Sept. 29; and Warren Street - Oct. 1.
Johnstown Central Council Parent-Teacher Association President Michael Heberer said Thursday the informal open houses this week at the three remaining elementary schools went well and he foresees no major problems Wednesday.
"So far, it looks like a smooth transition," Heberer said.
Sullivan said the district also is making progress on "evening numbers" in the classrooms.
The district had to come up with a new bus route plan for the shifting of students due to the Jansen school closing, but Sullivan said district Director of Transportation Corey Barber hasn't indicated any problems so far.
"We have not had any complaints from Corey," Sullivan said. "Some of the routes may be more simple."
Board of Education President Robert Curtis said Thursday he doesn't get involved in day-to-day operation of the district, but he concurs with Sullivan's optimism about the start of the new school year.
"I agree everything looks really positive now," Curtis said. "I don't believe we've had a lot of parent requests to move their children. I'm not even sure we've had any."
He said the district will know Wednesday whether the bus rerouting plan is fine or needs to be altered.
"I'm excited about next week with three new principals," Curtis said. "It's an exciting time."
The district's three new principals are: Jeffrey Vivenzio at Pleasant Avenue, R. Scott Ziomek at Warren Street and Michael Satterlee at Knox Junior High School.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.