NEWPORT, Ky. -- Like many other school districts in the country, Newport Independent Schools are facing tough decisions.
"We're declining enrollment and we have more space than we have students," said Newport Schools Superintendent Michael Brandt.
On top of that, the economy isn't doing the district any favors.
At Newport High School Tuesday night, the district's facility planning committee came together to vote and make recommendations that will be passed onto the school board.
Included in the recommendations is the closing of Mildred Dean Elementary School, compromising more than a dozen district jobs – but, that's not all.
"Reconfigure the school district by grade level into K-3, 4-6, 7,8, and 9,” said Brandt. “Which means moving the ninth grade out of the high school to the middle school building – and the high school become 10-12."
"Everything we did was about maintaining the unique academic personality of Newport Independent Schools long term,” said Bryan Wright, a parent and committee member. “And creating a sustainable model that is going to ultimately benefit our kids for the long term."
Committee members also agreed to stop all new construction due to the economic conditions.
"None of us would have anticipated in this process in the interest of just trimming costs,” said Wright. “All of us were in this process to come out with a brighter light at the end of the tunnel if you will."
"Some parents will be upset,” said Brandt. “Teachers will be anxious about where their new teaching assignments are if they have to move. So, it's something that has to be done and yet it's tough work."
These decisions are not final. They will now be presented to the board of education, then discussed at a public hearing.
