OSAGE - The Osage School Board is evaluating parents' feelings about the potential closing of Washington Elementary School, which today houses the district's fourth- and fifth-grades.

Fourth-grade could be moved to Lincoln Elementary School and the fifth-grade to the district's middle school.

The board, meeting in special session Tuesday morning, briefly discussed the survey as part of talks about the school's financial picture, which has darkened with those of all of the state's schools since the downturn in the state's economy.

Gov. Chet Culver's directive of a 10 percent across-the-board cut, combined with declining enrollment, has put schools in precarious financial positions, said Supt. Steve Bass. That reduction means a $454,000 drop in state aid for Osage schools.

Bass said the district could save an estimated $120,000 annually in operational costs if the 1916 building was closed.

Soon, some building issues, such as an aging roof, that will have to be addressed at Washington, which will cost money, Bass said.

The district will formulate a facilities committee that will research the issue. There have been some who have made their opposition known to the idea of moving fifth graders to the middle school.

There is not enough room to have the fifth grade move into Lincoln Elementary, Bass said.

The facilities committee will meet in December. Final decisions will not be made until April.

The board on Tuesday agreed to change part of its early retirement policy, which will reduce the number of continuous years of service in the district from 15 to 13.

By reducing the number, more teachers could potentially retire. If replaced by younger teachers, whose salaries are lower, a cost savings could be realized. Some of those positions might not be refilled, depending the spring's staffing forecast.

Board President Konnie Snyder and board member Karla Mitchell will also meet with Riceville board representatives for informal conversations to discuss ways of possibly sharing programs or staff.

Other meetings may also be held with Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock, Charles City and St. Ansgar school districts.