The Columbus school board has unanimously approved approved the closing of nine elementary and middle schools. The move comes after several weeks of community hearings and public comment. WOSU's Debbie Holmes reports some parents and teachers are unhappy with the decision.
"In light of the information I have received, I am going to accept the recommendation of the external oversight committee."
School board member, Bryan Stewart admitted the decision to close nine schools was not easy, yet was necessary.
"We are held to a responsibility to make sure that we make decisions in the best interest of our students and to move forward the district." Says Stewart.
All seven school board members voted to close schools that were targeted due to lower enrollment and academic achievement. Those include elementary schools, Deshler, Douglas, Fair Alternative and Hubbard and middle schools Beery, Clinton, Eastmoor, Franklin Alternative, Indianola Math, Science and Technical. Board member Shawna Gibbs.
"I still am challenged by Franklin and Beery and Fair, and those decisions, but I still the value and the expediency and the need to close 9 buildings." Says Gibbs.
The district is expected to save about $8,000,000 a year from the closings. A Franklin Alternative teacher for 16 years, Deborah Williams is disappointed.
"I would like to have seen some other creative things done, I'm not really exact sure what those might be, you know Franklin is only 32 years old building wise. So, it's just it's sad." Says Williams.
Parent of a 3rd grader at Fair Alternative, Jennifer Reed, doesn't believe her daughter will get the same quality of education at another school. She questions the process used to make the decision.
"You need to go out to the schools, all of them that you're considering. I don't think they went out to the schools. They sent somebody out to scout out look at the building and then go." Says Reed.
The nine schools will close at the end of this school year. Debbie Holmes WOSU News.
