Pontiac is closing two schools. Parents say they had no real say in it

The Pontiac School Board has voted to close Owen Elementary and Kennedy, consolidating students and staff as part of a strategic plan driven by declining enrollment and rising costs. Parents voiced concerns about the lack of input, the impact on students with disabilities moving to Pontiac High School, and the short notice for families to consider other options. Fifth graders will be moved to Pontiac Middle School, and staff from Owen will be reassigned to Alcott Elementary and Pontiac Middle. Some parents are now considering transferring their children to charter schools due to dissatisfaction with the process and outcome.