Dozens speak out to try to save Doyle Park school

<p>Dozens of parents, teachers and community members saddened by the possibility that Santa Rosa's Doyle Park Elementary School may close spoke out Monday night at a town hall meeting.</p><p>Teachers described the school as a “home away from home,” a tight-knit community where they shared life's brightest and saddest moments over decades, celebrating the births of children and supporting each other through the losses of loved ones. </p><p>“It's like a part of my family,” Gisell Perez, 11, a sixth-grader, told school board members and Santa Rosa school board members at the meeting held at Herbert Slater Middle School. “All of the teachers know all of the students ... My little brother is in second grade, and I want him to have the same chance.”</p><p>Marisa Canella, a parent, said in Spanish through a translator that her son has been worried about what will happen to his teachers and friends.</p><p>“Her son wakes up at night, and he's always worried,” said Wendy Albarrande Nymark, a school district employee who served as translator. “It's like you're killing the mother school for her child, so she doesn't like that.”</p><p>The Santa Rosa school board is considering closing Doyle Park because of declining enrollment and test scores, the second time in three years that the district is considering shutting it. </p><p>In a report, officials said the school loses $181,180 a year, more than any other elementary school in the district. Officials have said closing Doyle Park could save $411,000 if all students switch to schools within the district. </p><p>Under the proposal, Doyle Park likely would be used by several smaller charter schools, including a proposed French-American school. One parent at the meeting said he was considering sending his child to the French-American school, but others were less inclined.</p><p>“This community is divided,” said Alfredo Sanchez, 58, who said his brother attended Doyle Park and now is earning a Ph.D. at Boston University. “Another thing, give me a break. A French immersion school? You are in Mexico. What do you think, just because you are in Wine Country?” </p><p>Several speakers asked the school board to consider alternatives and offered suggestions for improving the school, such as offering a Spanish-language immersion program.</p><p>“Until now, we haven't had any interest. “We're happy to consider it,” Superintendent Sharon Liddell said after the meeting. “We appreciate everyone's coming and speaking from the heart.”</p><p>The closure will be discussed again Feb. 8 at the school board's next meeting, Liddell said, but she wasn't sure if a decision would be made then</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Cathy Bussewitz at 521-5276 or cathy.bussewitz @pressdemocrat.com.</p>