PONTIAC, Mich. – Pontiac School District officials are considering a consolidation plan that could close three schools amid declining enrollment and rising operational costs.
The proposal, which has been discussed during parent meetings and a school board retreat this week, would close Owen, Kennedy, and Alcott schools over the next few school years.
If the proposal goes through, two could close at the end of this school year.
The plan would also look at restructuring grade levels for elementary and middle schools.
During the board retreat on Monday (May 11), District officials displayed a slide that showed the changes are being driven by financial challenges tied to maintaining school buildings with fewer students enrolled.
It went on to explain that closing schools could reduce operational expenses and redirect more funds toward students and staff.
The issue drew concern from parents during a recent school meeting.
“They want to talk, they don’t want to answer any questions,” said Margo Walker-Daniels, a grandparent of two students in the district. “It’s always financial, it’s never about the kids.”
Walker-Daniels said she learned at the meeting that the proposal could close three schools and reorganize grade groupings for students.
The plan has also raised questions from some teachers and the president of the Pontiac Education Association.
“What’s the plan? How are you going to make sure our students are going to have everything they need?” said Candice Ridley, president of that association.
During Wednesday’s board retreat, one board member questioned how the district could implement the proposal if approved, if there are about 30 days left in the school year.
Superintendent Leverett responded to that and said, “We have behind the scenes, once it’s a go, we start executing the plan. But yes, those contingencies are aligned.”
The district previously told Local 4 that the Board of Education has tabled the consolidation matter for now and declined an interview earlier this week.
However, the district publicly discussed the matter several times after that.
Ridley said the issue is expected to come up again during the next school board meeting on Monday.