The Indiana School Board considered a plan that was put forward by a board member that would replace the current plan to close two elementary schools, expand a third, and replace a fourth with a new building.
The plan suggested by Walter Schroth was to fix what needed repair at the elementary schools, while keeping all four elementary schools open. The goal of Schroth’s plan was to establish the lowest cost alternative that would meet the academic and building needs. He said his cost would be between $5 to $7 million and the buildings would last another 10-15 years.
The vote ultimately failed, 5-3, but board member Dr. John Uccelini said that Schroth’s plan would make a good backup plan, in case the plan they are currently pursuing should be more than what they are anticipating. All the board members were complimentary towards the work in Schroth’s plan.
After the board rejected Schroth’s plan, many of those against the plan that would close Horace Mann and Eisenhower schools stood up in silence and held up signs reading “We Have No Voice” before the meeting adjourned.
People protesting the Indiana School Board following the board’s rejection of an alternate plan for the elementary schools. (Josh Widdowson photo)
In other business, the board approved an agreement for the district to provide mandated school health services to the Indiana County Technology Center. This agreement is one that has been tabled since late October, and is an agreement that was presented to all the schools that send students to the ICTC.
