Marin School Pulled From The Brink Of Closure

NOVATO, CA –A Novato elementary school that just days ago had been written off for dead suddenly has new life.

Lu Sutton faced a bleak outlook at best after committee empaneled by the Novato Unified School District recommended it for closure last month.

The cash-strapped district’s board had been expected to make the school’s closure official in a May 25 vote.

NUSD Superintendent Kris Cosca put the brakes on the proposal and Marin County Superintendent of Schools Mary Jane Burke responded to the district’s request for assistance to put the Lu Sutton closure plans on hold.

The NUSD's 7-11 Committee had been empaneled to recommend one of the district's eight elementary schools for closure in a cost-cutting move.

The district in late March announced that the committee had narrowed its focus to three schools including Lu Sutton. Lynwood and Rancho were the other closure candidates.

The committee selected Lu Sutton for closure April 28.

Cosca at Tuesday night’s board meeting announced that he was recommending a “pause” as it moved towards shuttering Lu Sutton.

“Tonight, I need to share with you that it is my belief that we should take a pause,” Cosca said in a statement.

“I believe our number one priority needs to be the safe and full reopening of our schools in the 21-22 school year and the enrollment of new and returning students into our system. This needs to be our focus without the distraction of school closure.”

The board at Tuesday night’s meeting created a three-member ad hoc committee that will consult with Burke and serve as a link between the Marin County Office of Education and the NUSD.

Burke’s said her office will conduct an independent investigation of NUSD personnel matters and assist “with an analysis of the financial stability of the district and the steps that will be needed to insure stability into the future” along with any other issues or concerns that may arise during “our period of active support.”

“I am pleased that the Novato Unified School District has asked for the support of my office. We stand ready to assist,” Burke said in a statement Wednesday.

“All schools are facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, NUSD is also dealing with several significant issues related to staff transitions, budget shortfalls, personnel issues and the significant community concern caused by the potential for a school closure.”