By Ida Brown
Meridian Public School District's oldest facility will be retired on May 29.
Witherspoon Elementary School will close on that day, ending 120 years of serving the educational needs of the East Meridian community. MPSD's School Board made the final decision this week.
"We have less than 300 students attending Witherspoon. To renovate the school would not be cost effective, particularly in these economic times," said Meridian Superintendent Charlie Kent.Plumbing, flooring and lighting are just some of the renovations necessary to keep the school open.
"To repair the plumbing would require tearing out walls ... And as old as the building is, it would have to be encapsulated because of the asbestos," the superintendent said.
The historical school building's deteriorating state has been a concern of officials and the public for more than a decade. The recent announcement of Witherspoon's demise has not sat well with some residents, particularly those who live in the school's district.
"I'm sorry people are upset," Kent said. "We had a meeting about this (closing), it was posted. A few parents and neighbors attended, but they had no concerns."
So where will Witherspoon's students be at the start of the new school year?
"We have split and assigned the students between Crestwood and Parkview Elementary School," Kent said. "This will put them in a learning environment where they can still flourish academically, and not be a long way from home."
The school's teachers will be dispersed throughout the Meridian Public School District. Witherspoon School Principal Kimberly Kendrick will be reassigned within the district. Kent said that assignment will be announced to the school board next week.
Source: The Meridian Star
No comments:
Post a Comment