Concerns over SECEP building closing

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - Some Chesapeake residents are concerned about the closing of a Deep Creek facility for children with behavioral issues.

The Chesapeake School Board is considering seven options for the aging SECEP building. One option is to make critical repairs to the building which would cost millions of dollars. At a minimum, the work would not be complete until 2014.

Two options would include purchasing or building a stand alone site in Cavalier Industrial Park, while four options would involve moving the students from the SECEP facility to other middle schools.

"It might put a little bit on others too being that these children over here have these types of problems other kids don't and it could cause some children to be judgmental with others," said Tesha Young, a former SECEP student who is now a mom.

Tom Cupitt with Chesapeake Public Schools says the board will not comment on the issue until the it is brought up at the public hearings at the school board meetings."

The following information is available on the Chesapeake Schools website:

On June 11 and July 9, 2012, Chesapeake Public Schools staff presented the School Board 7 options related to the necessary improvements, replacement, or relocation of the current Deep Creek SECEP facility on George Washington Highway. A decision on the SECEP facility is required in a timely manner to allow the school system and SECEP adequate time to implement the option approved by the School Board. The School Board will conduct two public hearings on the options in order to get input from the community. In early fall, the school administration will send letters to the homes of impacted students briefly outlining the 7 options presented to the Board.

Upcoming Meetings:
June 11, 2012
Regular School Board Meeting: Initial review of 7 options

July 9, 2012
Regular School Board Meeting: Review of 7 options including recommended attendance zones for options 4 and 7

August 2012 - September 2012
School administration will prepare and send letters to the homes of impacted students briefly outlining the 7 options presented to the School Board.

Sept. 24, 2012
Regular School Board Meeting: First Public Hearing on the seven options including the attendance zone adjustments. Citizens interested in addressing the School Board should contact the Clerk of the Board at 547-1047 to be included on the speaker list.

Oct. 8, 2012
Regular School Board Meeting: Second Public Hearing on the seven options including the attendance zone adjustments. Citizens interested in addressing the School Board should contact the Clerk of the Board at 547-1047 to be included on the speaker list.

Oct. 29, 2012
Recommendation from Superintendent and final action by the School Board

Staff Presentations
The following are links to staff's June 11 and July 9, 2012 PowerPoint presentations; outlining current building conditions, the options for School Board and public consideration, as well as the estimated costs and savings associated with each option:

Deep Creek SECEP Facility Status and Options, School Board Presentation June 11, 2012

Deep Creek SECEP Facility Status and Options, School Board Second Presentation July 9, 2012