Saginaw Public Schools Closing Controversy

Kent Martin ’15

Staff Writer

By now, I am sure most of you have heard about the rumor of the closing of Saginaw High School. Well, it’s not a rumor. In fact, the Saginaw Board of Education has had several meetings deciding whether to close or keep the high school open. Along with closing Saginaw High, the initial plan included closing Daniels Middle School and Heavenrich Elementary School. Due to a drop in the amount of children in the Saginaw school district, these schools must close. Since 2001, Saginaw has lost 10,000 students and has closed 13 schools in that time. Another factor that contributes to the school closings is the possibility of sending the Saginaw School District into a 4.8 million dollar debt.

If the three schools close and 53 teachers get laid off, the school board will save 4.6 million dollars. However, on February 18, the Saginaw school board, after hearing the complaints of the parents and students from all the schools involved, is deciding on a new compromise to keep both buildings open but allowing 7th-12th grade into both schools. This plan only lays off 35 employees, but includes closing Houghton and Merrill Park Elementary schools. The school board later added another budget saving measure by ending funding to the athletic programs for the upcoming school year. Parents have again responded to the proposal measures with anger and frustration while the board awaits approval from the State.