CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — A public comment meeting was held at Central Cambria High School Monday night as the district considers closing a long-time elementary school.
Over 100 community members visited Central Cambria to voice their opinions on the potential elementary school consolidation.
Dozens of community members, from grandparents to elementary students, spoke at Monday’s meeting as the district is gauging feedback on a feasibility study it released on a potential consolidation of its elementary schools.
When faced with the decision between higher taxes or closing the Jackson Township elementary, nearly every speaker was in favor of the increased taxes.
“I don’t want the school to close. I think it’s a very important part of the community. I’ve met a lot of people, my son has met a lot of people and a lot of friends, he’s learned a lot of things. Everything about the school has been excellent for me,’ said Emily Makin, a local parent and mother of a Jackson Elementary student.
Other community members brought up a number of points, saying that the 8-mile distance between the two elementary schools would be a challenge for some families. Many also stated that smaller class sizes like the ones at Jackson Elementary can lead to higher test scores on state exams.
One fourth grade student said that she has a message for school officials.
“Please don’t shut down Jackson Elementary. It’s probably the greatest school I could ever go to.”
Only two community members spoke in favor of consolidating the schools. Their speeches were met with loud booing from the room. Both speakers in favor of the consolidation are Central Cambria school district employees.
“I have personally been in both buildings. Gotten to know students, gotten to know teachers, and I just think it makes a lot of sense for teachers to be able to share things more readily instead of waiting to email, call, after hours,” said Central Cambria secretary Myesha Chappell.
A final decision on the consolidation will be made at the Central Cambria School District board meeting on May 13th.
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