Subcommittee to discuss alternative schools

February 24, 2010

The Belen Consolidated Schools Board of Education formed an alternative schools facilities management subcommittee last night to help transition alternative high school students into their new school building next year.

The subcommittee will also discuss moving the district’s Family School to a new location.

Construction continues on the new Infinity High School near Belen Middle School. If all goes according to plan, the district will move Infinity High School students to the new location prior to the start of next school year.

That move will free up the current Infinity High School, which consists of two portable classrooms on Becker Avenue.

The district wants to move the Family School, which provides part-time classes for homeschooled children, to the Becker Avenue site. The Family School is currently operated out of leased space at Valley Community Plaza in Rio Communities.

Board President Jamie Goldberg said the subcommittee is necessary to plan for the moves, so the district can be proactive in planning the moves and addressing concerns.

“We want to make sure everything’s in place,” he said, adding, “We want to make sure everyone knows what’s going on ahead of time.”

He said the subcommittee will be composed of board members, district staff, alternative school staff and parents. He acknowledged some parents of Family School students have concerns about the move to Becker Avenue.

“We want to keep them happy — and make sure it’s safe,” he said.

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