Updated: December 04, 2019 10:19 PM
More than 200 people packed the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School Board meeting room Wednesday night urging school board members to reconsider closing Sioux Trail Elementary, Marion Savage Elementary and Jon Metcalf Middle Schools.
The school board said it needed to close the schools due to declining enrollments, increased maintenance costs and a budget shortfall, which topped the $7 million mark.
School board members did not debate, or discuss, any of the proposed closings during the meeting and took time to listen to concerns of students and parents in the district.
Dropping enrollment could mean closing schools in south metro school district
Nancy Anderson told district leaders she was a proud graduate of ISD 191 schools and felt fortunate her children have the opportunity to attend schools of excellence.
"It is my home school, and it still feels like my home schools 27 years later," said Anderson. "I am so proud my kiddos have the chance to attend schools of excellence, and I hope the board will consider other options."
Jessica McMahon told school board members she has supported ISD 191 and all of its teachers for many years, but is now considering other options with the possible school closures.
School District 191 facing major budget cuts, parents upset
"I don't want to move my kids to another school district and I love the teachers and staff here," said McMahon. "But, I don't see much of a choice when you close not one, but three, amazing schools here."
The school board did not take any action and will vote on the proposal next week. If the plan is approved, the three schools are expected to close at the end of the school year.
Updated: December 04, 2019 10:19 PM
Published: December 04, 2019 12:00 AM
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