The Traverse City Area (Mich.) school board has voted to close two elementary schools with low enrollment as it tries to close a projected $1.2 million deficit for 2016-17.
Board members deferred a decision on whether to close a third elementary.
Both of the campuses that will close at the end of 2015-16 have less than 200 students. They are Interlochen Community School in Interlochen, Mich., and TCAPS International School at Bertha Vos in Williamsburg, Mich.
Closing the schools "was necessary to address the challenges associated with declining enrollment, declining revenue and aging facilities,” says superintendent Paul Soma. “I believe this action will ensure the district’s continued success in providing the best education possible for all students.”
In addition to the closings, the board voted to trim the district deficit and cut $500,000 from the budget by reducing maintenance spending, streamlining transportation routes, and eliminating positions through attrition.
The board put off a decision on closing Old Mission Peninsula School in Traverse City, another elementary school with less than 200 students, as the district looks into a possible $800,000 donation to keep the campus open. If that school were to close, it would not happen until the end of 2017-18.
