HOMER -- Hartnett Elementary School faces possible closure during a feasibility study determining the Homer School District could be able to save money by closing the building - considered by some as a "satellite school."
School board officials and parents came out to a meeting Tuesday night to hear what the study has to say about closing the school. In all, the study recommends the district keep the school open, citing increased class sizes as students are forced into other elementary schools. Also, with recent Catholic schools closing and continued declining enrollment, those students will also need a place to learn, bringing even larger classes for the children. Hartnett has 130 students in the school.
Closing the school would save the district more than half a million dollars, but those savings may have to be found elsewhere. "Fiscal concerns are there but we're also very concerned about the children we serve," Homer School Board President Scott Ochs said. "We're in the business of education first and foremost and I don't believe the board will take any actions or make any decisions without weighing all the factors."
Parents in the district are waiting to hear the final word about the school, but in the meantime, are happy to hear the study's positive recommendation. "It's a right step but ultimately the school board has to make the decision," Angela Eichorst said. Eichorst recently moved into the district from Wisconsin and has four children in Homer Central Schools. "I think the community has to hold the school district liable."
And for others who went to the school, seeing it remain open - for now - is a reminder of memories. "It means a lot to me," Kelsie Reed said. Reed graduated from the sixth grade at Hartnett Elementary in 2002. "My sisters went through there, and my nephews go there now."
The school board will hold another meeting where parents can comment on the study Tuesday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m. in Homer High School's auditorium.
