Pitch to close, repurpose school off the table

by Jim Boyle

Editor

Elk River Area School District Superintendent Dan Bittman issued a statement to ISD 728 staff, families and students on May 23 to let them know the topics of repurposing an elementary school in Elk River and having fifth grade students move to middle schools in Elk River have been pulled off the table.

The letter states while the School Board acknowledges the need to enhance programming for specific populations, optimize building capacity, comply with state and federal law, and explore financial efficiencies, there are differing opinions among board members on the best approach, timelines, and methods for gathering additional feedback from impacted staff.

“Due to these differing opinions, I recommend not repurposing an elementary school in Elk River at this time. Repurposing requires full School Board support and the ability to make challenging decisions related to which school to repurpose, what programming changes to implement, and how to adjust boundaries,” Bittman stated. “Without full agreement, there is a high risk of negatively impacting students, families, and staff.”

In summary, Bittman said after a comprehensive review, including data analysis, expert consultations, and consideration of feedback, it is recommended that the School Board not repurpose an elementary school or move fifth grade students to a middle school in the central part of the school district at this time. Instead, further discussions should begin in January 2025, after the school board elections, so that all current and potential new School Board members have the opportunity to be part of the discussions and process.

Bittman said this means the School Board will:

•Not repurpose an elementary building at this time.

•Not move fifth grade students to Salk or VandenBerge Middle Schools at this time.

•Maintain current programming at Ivan Sand Community School at this time.

•Begin discussing any and all options, considerations, timelines, and next steps after Jan. 1, 2025, following the school board elections.

•Not hold a public hearing in July or seek additional staff and/or community feedback until after Jan. 1, 2025.

•Maintain the status quo for now.

The announcement comes on the heels of mounting opposition from the community, including parents and staff.

A new website, a Facebook page and a GoFundMe account had been established by community members in opposition to the proposed closure of an elementary school in the center of the Elk River Area School District.

The people behind these once separate initiatives aimed at shutting down the closure of Meadowvale Elementary School or Parker Elementary School were beginning to lock hands to put up a united front against the proposed closure of a school to be repurposed for student populations with special needs.

There was picketing outside the District 728 Office on May 17, and more picketing at upcoming meetings was planned. Funds raised by a GoFundMe account were being used to make lawn signs that were going to be distributed.

Critics began asking District 728 officials and the School Board to come up with another plan to help its special needs populations that doesn’t call for the closure of an elementary school. A spokesperson for the merged groups emphasized that the opposition is not anti-special education, but rather opposition to the proposed closures.

Discussions about closing Ivan Sand Community High School and moving the alternative learning center students into whichever elementary school the district closed had also proved controversial. The elementary school selected would have been remodeled to accommodate various programs for District 728 special needs populations. New boundary lines would have been drawn in Elk River.