FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - Public discussion has wrapped up, now the decision to close two Fort Wayne schools is in the hands of district leaders.
The board room at the Grile Administrative Center was nearly filled to capacity as parents, students and staff continued their campaign to save Elmhurst High School and Pleasant Center Elementary.
"This is not an easy decision to make," said FWCS Board President Mark GiaQuinta.
Fort Wayne Community Schools, like district across the state, have seen state education funding slashed by $300 million. On top of that, tax revenue is down and state officials lowered the amount of money districts receive per student, also called a foundation grant.
That combination of blows means FWCS officials must cut $15 million from their budget. In order to do so, Elmhurst High School and Pleasant Center Elementary are being targeted for closure, in addition to other measures.
A large group of parents, students and staff from both school have come together to protest the possible closures and offer solutions. They lined up behind a microphone Thursday night to make voice their ideas.
Angie Haydon Sutton, founder of SaveElmhurst.com presented board members with two pages of options.
Her suggestions include consolidating management levels within the area of administrative organization and freeze salaries, having the district join a regional purchasing group, and leasing the Grile Administrative Center while moving administrative operations to underused sections of school buildings.
Board President Mark GiaQuinta says he appreciated the outpouring of ideas.
"That part of it was really fun and interesting," he said. "I was really happy with the Board for listening to people, but it doesn't make the decision any easier."
GiaQuinta says his mind is made up. He says he will make the tough decision to close the two schools.
The final vote is scheduled during the Board's meeting on Monday March 22nd at 6:00pm.
Stay tuned for more updates.
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