PORT ANGELES — School Board members decided late Wednesday night to stay on course toward closing Monroe Elementary School in June.
After a two-hour study session, the Port Angeles School District board voted 4-1 to continue the 90-day closure process begun in March.
Board members reviewed and discussed dozens of alternatives to spread budget cuts elsewhere in the district, but most said shuttering Monroe effective June 30 is the best way to balance next year’s projected deficit of $300,000.
Cindy Kelly, the only board member to oppose closing Monroe, submitted a list of proposals she says will save about $295,000.
“Closing a school is not only an education issue but also a community issue that will not only affect the students, staff and parents, but our entire public education levy and bond supporters in our Port Angeles community,” Kelly said.
But the other board members said operating six small elementary schools in the face of declining enrollment and decreased state funding cannot continue.