Council Bluffs School Board votes to close Crescent Elementary School
HALF MOON, Iowa (Nebraska) — The Bluffs Council School Board met Tuesday night to decide the future of one school in the district, Crescent Elementary School.
3 News Now reporter Molly Hudson was there to hear from families, parents, teachers and other members of the community why they think the school should stay open.
It was an all-too-familiar discussion, but the decision made many in the community cry.
The School Board has voted to close Crescent Elementary School at the end of this school year. This is a school that many students tried to save.
“I really want to save my school and that means a lot to me,” said Mia Smith, a first grader at Crescent Elementary.
The meeting was attended by current and former students.
“Great relationships that I have developed throughout my life in elementary school. The teachers were wonderful. They were always one on one with the student, especially because of the small classes,” said Jayden Jones, a 6th grade student and graduate of Crescent Elementary School. .
The school is referred to by many as the heart of the Crescent community.
This decision was made after public comment by several parents and community members.
“Money problems never go away, memories last forever. And I thank you for your time,” said a community member.
Many have cited their own experiences and the growth they expect to see in Crescent.
One of the reasons for the closure is the decline in attendance. Currently, only 64 students attend Crescent and there are only seven students in the classroom.
“I know we have a very dedicated group of parents and community members who are here in the room and have contacted us, but we have a larger population that is not supportive of Crescent schools and is taking their children elsewhere.” said Jill Shudak, a member of the Board of Education.
After this school year, students will be reassigned to attend either Lewis and Clark Elementary School or College View Elementary School, depending on where they currently reside.
.
