Dunkirk City Schools seems prepared to “get going” with a significant consolidation plan next month.

Board members, during a Tuesday workshop held via Zoom, were unified in moving forward with an option that calls for splitting students up into developmental stages that include the reduction of one elementary school building. The biggest stumbling block for some members was whether to begin the plan this September or delay it for another year.

Under the proposed model, three early childhood centers would be created and include prekindergarten to grade two in three of the four existing elementary sites. There would be one intermediate elementary school in the current middle school building for grades three to six and one middle and high school for grades seven to 12 in the current facility at Sixth Street.

“We started this journey looking to reduce costs and increase revenue,” said David Damico, school board president. “At least for me, it quickly turned into basically how we’re taking care of our children. … In these plans, I keep seeing what’s good for children.”

Board member Loretta Slaton Torain also urged the district to move ahead with the plan. “We need to stop dragging our feet and make a decision,” she said. “I’m in.”

Reconfiguration plans by the district first became public in February and have since gained momentum and acceptance from a number of district committees. Superintendent Michael Mansfield, in making his presentation in the meeting that detailed how the process has played out, sought board member feedback before going any further.

A resolution was expected to be drafted for the next board meeting Tuesday, May 11 regarding any future decisions. Despite one concern raised by board member Robert Bankoski regarding some input from the middle school, no other reservations were voiced.

“So, the direction is to get going,” Mansfield concluded.