Stanford residents seek answers on proposed Cold Spring elementary school closure

STANFORD — A new citizen's advisory board is forming after locals' strong response to the Pine Plains Central School District's plans to close the elementary school in Stanford in an effort to "right-size" the district's facilities to match enrollment.

Stanford Town Hall will host an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 4, at 6 p.m. for residents interested in learning more about a newly formed committee that will guide the district in right-sizing plans. Dubbed the Building Utilization Advisory Committee, it was established earlier this year after parents in the district called for greater scrutiny for plans to shutter Cold Spring Early Learning Center on Homan Road in Stanford.

Cold Spring Early Learning Center serves students from pre-k through second grade. As of 2025, roughly 150 students were enrolled in classes at the elementary school according to data included in a presentation Superintendent Brian Timm delivered at a December 2025 school board meeting.

Town Supervisor Julia Descoteaux said Stanford taxpayers are seeking clearer information about the financial impacts of the proposed closure. She added that she hopes district officials will more closely examine the broader economic impact, including how the closure could affect local businesses and the district’s appeal to prospective homebuyers.

"What does it mean for the future of the economic viability of our community?" Descoteaux asked. "What does it mean for the taxes? What are the financial implications? Those are things that our community wants and needs answered."

Timm has been presenting information on the district's need to "right-size" since 2024. He said the district spends more money per student than any other district in the state.

School enrollment in the district has dropped by half since 2004, a trend that officials expect to continue. Timm and Board of Education members began a survey of the district's status in 2024, concluding that closing Cold Spring Early Learning Center would cut costs for the district and generate revenue through either sale or lease of the building.

Cold Spring students and faculty would then be consolidated into Seymour Smith Intermediate School.

That plan has triggered criticism from locals who say the intermediate school requires costly asbestos remediation and other health and safety upgrades that would mitigate benefits from closing Cold Spring. Seymour Smith Intermediate School was built in 1932 and Cold Spring was built in 1959.

Pushback from parents within the district caused officials to form a coalition of citizens to aid in the right-sizing talks. Descoteaux said Stanford residents have been vocal because Cold Spring is located in Stanford and the town's taxpayers provide around 30% of the district's funding.

Stanford residents interested in learning more about the committee can attend the meeting Wednesday, March 4, at 6 p.m. in Town Hall or reach out to Descoteaux by email at jdescoteaux@stanfordny.gov.