Pike, Longfellow schools get reprieve

Pike and Longfellow elementary schools got a reprieve, at least temporarily, Wednesday night when the D-11 board decided against ordering them closed at the end of the 2008-09 school year.

But the school board asked the administration to prepare a comprehensive proposal regarding school closure and reuse districtwide. That study should be complete by Nov. 12.

Board member Sandra Mann said people should expect district schools to close, but with a comprehensive plan "we would know it's part of a bigger issue."

She said she had concerns about closing Pike and Longfellow without looking at how it would affect the rest of the district.

"We know it's a business decision, but it's also our children," Longfellow parent Victoria Bectelheimer said.

Longfellow parents were happy their school got a reprieve, but they said they know they have to continue to advocate for their school and find ways to increase enrollment.

"We're still in the hot seat," said parent Kristin Krull.

But it's also a "call to action" for parents at other schools, she said, because all schools will be evaluated under the board's plan.

Manuel Ramsey, principal at Pike, said he's pleased all schools will be considered for closure and that the district is trying to make such a difficult decision prudently.

Pike was considered for closure because of its low enrollment - roughly 125 students - and Longfellow because it's not being fully utilized. There are about 200 students in a building built for 450.

If the schools are closed, both buildings would be used by other schools or organizations.