A group of concerned teachers and parents persuaded at least one Duluth School Board member to ask for more information about the impact of keeping three high schools in the Duluth school district.
At a committee of the whole meeting Monday night, board member Tim Grover read a letter signed by 19 community members outlining concerns with the red consolidation plan currently under consideration for the district. The meeting was held to allow board members more time to discuss details of the red plan before taking a vote on the proposal later this month.
The red plan calls for closing Central High School and operating two feeder systems on the east and west ends of the district. Denfeld would serve as the western high school and Ordean as the eastern high school.
"While we recognize many values of the facilities planning process, we feel that the three options presented during the past three months offer an unsatisfactory conclusion to this otherwise positive and inclusive process," Grover read from the letter. "We believe that a three high school plan can be produced that reflects the realities of our community and would best reflect the educational interests of all Duluth residents."
Supporters of the three high school model said it probably would involve closing the same number of elementary schools recommended under the red plan but keep three middle and high schools open.
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"This was signed by 19 people who I believe represent many hundreds if not thousands," Grover said. "I am requesting that, as a minimum, I am asking you if we could have a three high school option written up."
Board members Laura Condon and Mike Akervik said they also would like to see the details and impact of that kind of plan.
Board members Tom Hustad and Anne Wasson said the time for that is past.
"I have had equally as many people say let's do this, let's get it down," Wasson said.
Schools Superintendent Keith Dixon said he, along with Johnson Controls, the consulting firm leading the district through the long-range facilities process, could get board members more details about a three high school plan. He said the three high school model was considered but that educational best-practice guidelines, as well as financial considerations, led to different recommendations.
Board members also discussed the effect of changing boundary lines, turning Central High School into the western middle school and various financial concerns.
The board will continue its discussion on the long-range facilities plan after its regularly scheduled business meeting Monday. A final vote on a consolidation plan is scheduled on June 19.
