4-1 was the final vote
by the Muncie School board to consolidate the schools
$1.7 million
is expected to be saved by turning Southside High School into a middle school
1,700 students
is the expected number of students to attend Central High School following the merger
183 fewer students
were enrolled in Muncie this fall as opposed to the 2012-2013 school year
1,400 people
signed a petition to keep Southside High School open
MUNCIE (AP) — Muncie schools officials are beginning work to consolidate the city’s two high schools following an emotional decision by school board members to close Southside High School.
The board voted 4-1 Monday night in favor of turning Southside into a middle school and moving its students to Central High School, creating one school with more than 1,700 students, The Star Press reported.
The move marks the first time the city has had just one high school since 1961 and comes after years of discussion, including contentious town hall meetings in which some parents of Southside students vowed to leave the city rather than send their children to Central.
Ultimately, the decision to close Southside was determined to be the most cost-effective for the district, which has seen its enrollment fall by 183 students this school year and has struggled under reduced state funding. Voters last week defeated a proposed property tax increase that officials said was needed to keep school buses running next year.
The consolidation is expected to save $1.7 million a year.
“I really want the community to know that, despite the naysayers, we have thoroughly researched every single option,” board member Debbie Feick said Monday. “And in doing that research and correlating that with available space, we had to come to this conclusion.”
Muncie Teachers Association President Pat Kennedy said she was concerned about doubling the numbers in one building but understood that the district is in a “world of hurt financially.”
“Our funding is such that we are just dying on the vine,” she said.
School officials said they will work to help students and parents through the transition.
“I’m sad, but my main concern is my children,” Southside Principal Rebecca Thompson said after the meeting as she fought tears. “We will move forward in a classy way, as we always do. We will be fine.”
Superintendent Tim Heller said a transition team of administrators has been formed. Subcommittees made up of teachers, parents and other community members will follow.
“Right now, it’s tough, but down the road it will be great. It’s going to be one great high school,” he said.
School Board President Beverly Kelley, the lone vote against the consolidation, said it will be a long time before Southside parents accept the decision.
“This community let us know what they wanted,” she said, clutching a petition signed by 1,400 people who wanted to keep both high schools. “They feel like this town has let them down.”
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