LEYDEN — The town is getting a new tenant in the Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School, which is set to lease part of the former Pearl Rhodes Elementary School starting Jan. 1.
The Selectboard signed a six-month lease agreement with the Virtual School, which will be valid from Jan. 1 to June 30, during its Monday meeting. In addition to the first six months, the school is interested in renting space for up to three years. The town will lease one classroom with 708 square feet and a small office of 64 square feet at 80 cents per square foot, both of which will be almost fully separated from the rooms that are now town offices.
“Leyden would receive $617.60 (per month) for leasing the space, based on the blueprints of the building,” Selectboard Chair Jeffrey Neipp said. “It’s space we don’t need and we would like to be a good neighbor in allowing them a quality building that works for them.”
The Virtual School currently operates on the third floor at 238 Main St. in Greenfield. According to its website, the school serves students from across Massachusetts who need a learning community that is accessible and flexible. The school supplements educational programs offered by traditional school districts by providing unique programs that address the needs of students who learn better in non-traditional environments.
In virtual classroom-based programs, students who benefit from structure take part in live lessons and a scheduled school day, explained Virtual School Principal and Director Bob Kumin. These schedules are similar to those at a traditional school, but benefit from the flexibility of an online classroom and the home environment.
Kumin previously worked in the Greenfield public school system as a special education services administrator, and has been involved with the Virtual School since the early stages of its founding. He said the school was originally formed to help students who were “falling through the cracks.” Now, it operates at full enrollment with five middle school students and 11 high school students, though it may be able to increase its student population over the next few years.
Selectboard members, Kumin and Administrative Assistant Michele Giarusso conducted a walk-through of the classroom space last month.
“Leyden does have the requested space and services they are interested in, including high-speed internet through the middle mile line that was brought in a few years ago servicing the town buildings,” Neipp said.
Now that the paperwork has been signed, school may begin at Pearl Rhodes on Monday, Jan. 6. The Virtual School would transport students to Leyden with its own van.
“We’re very excited,” Kumin said of the pending move. “We’re just finalizing the lease agreement, but everything looks good.”
Middle school students will occupy Pearl Rhodes on Mondays and Wednesdays, while high school students will occupy the space on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Kumin said he and fellow administrator Darlene Thorpe will also be on site regularly.
Students will conduct their school work at home on the days they are not at Pearl Rhodes, which Kumin refers to as the “support center.” Using space in Leyden will allow for more of a controlled learning environment for the students.
“They’ll get more support in organizing themselves and completing their assignments,” Kumin said.
For students with more severe disabilities, Kumin said, the classroom can add more support. The Virtual School will have two or three paraprofessional educators who will assist students with classroom activities.
“They have all worked with students with special needs before,” Kumin said.
The Virtual School also agreed to pay Leyden an additional $325 for cleaning and snow removal on a monthly basis during the lease. Neipp said the Selectboard will use the revenue to offset costs for the building’s heat, lights and fire alarm security.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 264.