BUTLER TWP — The Butler School District could save as much as $492,000 if it closes Center Avenue Elementary School, according to a report that cuts 12.5 staff members.

Superintendent Mike Strutt wants the school board to decide by January whether to close the school beginning with the 2013-14 school year.

“This should be part of our discussion on a monthly basis,” he said at a school board meeting Monday night.

Students there would be bused to McQuistion Elementary School, which is a mile away, at a cost of $47,500.

The bulk of projected savings comes from staff cuts: four teachers, $272,420; one 10-month clerical staff, $41,420; one-and-a-half custodians, $42,967; one health technician, $38,675; and five other staff members for a total savings of $455,833.

Strutt said, “We’re going to continue to look at school closings to keep this district afloat.”