D-11 Board To Close 8 Elementary Schools, And A Middle School
By Josh Simeone J.Simeone@krdo.com
COLORADO SPRINGS – District 11 board members have voted to close eight elementary schools effective August 1st.
In a Wednesday night meeting, board members voted to close down eight elementary schools in the city’s south and west sides.
The closures include:
Whittier Elementary Buena Vista Elementary Washington Elementary Ivywild, Pike Elementary Longfellow Elementary Jefferson Elementary Hunt and Adams will be combined in one building.
And as far as middle schools go, Irving will close, while Emerson middle school will stay open. Emerson’s 6th grade will now have a space foundation concept, meaning it will run as a magnet program. The 7th and 8th grades there will remain in the traditional education system.
One decision not made last nightwas the future of Wasson High school.The board voted to postpone the decision,and present their recommendation March 11th instead. Deputy Michael Poore says the board is still leaning towards giving Wasson High School three years to improve before making a decision.
Prior to the meeting, board members were greeted by students and parents holding signs in a peaceful protest, asking the board to reconsider the proposal. Earlier in the day, parents signed a petition outside of Washington Elementary, as many hoped their last efforts would help to change the minds of board members.
