Valley Central School District will hold a public forum Wednesday, Oct. 30, to present a feasibility report and recommendations on the future of Walden Elementary School, one of the district’s oldest facilities. The event, set for 6:30 p.m. at Valley Central High School, is part of a series of community meetings aimed at guiding the decision-making process for the aging school, which approaches its 100th anniversary.

First proposed in 2017, the idea to replace Walden Elementary has since evolved through ongoing evaluations and community input. An early district report estimated the cost of a new building at $40 million, with the state expected to fund about 67% of the project. Superintendent Evette Avila emphasized the district’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity as discussions progress.

The planning process has involved regular updates at board meetings, community tours of the Walden Elementary facilities, a district-wide flyer, an informative video, and a survey to gather community feedback.

The Oct. 30 meeting will feature presentations on feasibility and equity, with recommendations from the Walden Committee. Additional events include a school tour on Nov. 4 and a town hall meeting on Nov. 14.

“I understand that anxiety often accompanies significant transitions,” said Avila. “No final decisions regarding Walden Elementary’s future have been made. We are committed to fostering transparency, inclusivity, and open dialogue among all stakeholders.”

Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share feedback. Comments may also be sent to communications@vcsdny.org. For ongoing updates, visit the district’s website under “The Future of Walden.”