Simplified: The Sioux Falls School Board this week re-opened discussions on closing Renberg Elementary at the end of the academic year. It's not a final decision yet, but here's what families need to know.
Why it matters
- The board initially started talking about closing Renberg last fall as the district looks to both save money and make sure all students have access to the same educational opportunities. The closure would save the district between $500,000 and $700,000 annually, in addition to about $2.6 million in capital outlay funding.
- Last year, Renberg had about 100 students, and so far this fall, it's down to about 83. Most of those students live closer to another school in the Sioux Falls School District, Assistant Superintendent Dan Conrad said Tuesday.
- Conrad, along with Superintendent Jamie Nold and board members, also noted that they haven't heard much feedback from parents since the discussion started last fall. But the district is looking to reach out proactively to seek feedback on the proposal to close Renberg.
"I focus on the word proposal because we’re just starting the conversation again," Conrad said. "This isn’t a done deal or anything like that. There’s a lot of conversations that still need to happen."
Tell me more
Conrad outlined the benefits of closing Renberg, looking specifically at what it'd mean for students and staff.
- For students, moving to other, larger elementary schools would create shorter bus rides and more opportunities for participating in things like band and orchestra.
- For staff, it'd also mean less travel time – particularly teachers of specials like physical education, library and art.
- For the district, it'd mean saving money at a time when budgets are tight. Over the last two years, the district has cut $5 million in ongoing spending, and it's likely more cuts are needed as the state continues to fall short of funding required under state law.
What happens next?
The district is sending notification to all families of kids in Renberg Elementary, and district officials will host a public meeting/family listening session on Oct. 28.
Board members are expected to vote on the closure on Nov. 9, and, if the board opts to move forward, the district has to notify the state by Dec. 1 that Renberg would be closing at the end of the academic year.
