Currier Memorial School Celebrates Legacy Amid Closure in Danby

BENNINGTON, Vt. NewsWK —On a rainy Saturday in Danby, community members gathered to celebrate nearly 60 years of Currier Memorial School while grappling with its impending closure. This event marked both a milestone and a poignant farewell for local residents who have long considered the school a central part of their community fabric.

Transition to Green Ridge Elementary

Principal Carolyn Perillo, who has overseen Currier Memorial for the past 12 years, will transition to lead the newly formed Green Ridge Elementary School this fall. This consolidation is part of a broader effort to address declining enrollment across the district.

Currier Memorial School, which opened in 1966, has served as an unofficial community center for generations of families in Danby and Mount Tabor. As students prepare to merge with peers from Sunderland and Dorset, many community members are reflecting on the changes with a mix of sadness and nostalgia.

Celebration and Sentiment

During the anniversary celebration, activities included a lively “cake walk” and performances by the Mister Sister Band. Families and former students exchanged stories, adding a festive atmosphere reminiscent of a local fair.

However, for many attendees, the excitement was tinged with loss. Nancy Beauregard, a retired teacher and former student, expressed her feelings: “I think it’s a sense of loss, definitely,” as she recalled the tight-knit community that Currier fostered.

Concerns About Community Impact

Residents voiced concerns that closing the school would diminish community cohesion. One long-time Danby resident noted the practical challenges families in more remote areas would face, such as longer bus rides to school. “The school is the community center place,” she reflected, echoing a sentiment shared by many at the event.

While some parents worried about the impact of this change, others expressed optimism for their children. A parent commented, “My daughter can’t wait ‘til she starts [Green Ridge]. Kids are resilient. She’ll be okay. But, I’m sad though. I know what she’ll be missing.”

A New Beginning

As Currier prepares to close, students will be welcomed into the Green Ridge Elementary, which will accommodate at least 200 students. Principal Perillo highlighted the efforts being made to integrate students from different towns, including organized events for them to meet before the school year begins.

Despite the challenges ahead, Perillo emphasized the importance of building relationships in the new school community. “We have to help come together to define our new community and help get to know each other and build our trust with each other,” she stated.

Looking Ahead

As the community navigates this transition, questions remain about the future of the Currier building itself. Plans suggest it may be repurposed for alternative educational settings, continuing its legacy of serving students in innovative ways.

As Danby residents come to terms with the closure, the spirit of Currier Memorial School will undoubtedly resonate in the memories and hearts of those who have been part of its journey.