The South Washington County (Minn.) board has voted to close Newport Elementary School.
The decision to close the school is a part of the district's 10-year facility improvement plan that officials say is needed to address crowding, future growth and student needs, reports The St. Paul Pioneer Press.
The plan to close the elementary school is causing backlash with students and parents because it is one of the most diverse schools in the district.
The district said it plans to turn Newport into an early-learning center.
To pay for its facility, the district has scheduled a $462 million bond referendum in August.
The bond funds would enable the district to upgrade East Ridge, Woodbury and Park high schools.
The high school improvements would include classroom additions, expansion of cafeterias and kitchens; multipurpose space for online learning; and renovation of Career and Technical Education.
Plans also call for a new Pine Hill Elementary School building to be built on site in Cottage Grove. The school is currently too small and needs major upgrades.
Other campuses slated for improvements are South Washington Alternative High School, which would be moved to the existing Crestview Elementary building. A new Crestview Elementary would be built at a central district location.
