<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593776043146.jpeg" alt="Franklin Elementary School" />
 <figcaption>Franklin Elementary School</figcaption>
 </figure>Geary USD 475 Board of Education members have decided to move away from possible closure of either Franklin or Grandview Elementary Schools. Both schools will be open this fall when classes resume. Public hearings on their possible closure that were scheduled in July have been cancelled. The process was moving too fast and would require more study.Board President Rina Neal said if there had been a decision to close the schools the timing in placing students and staff along with COVID-19 concerns with possible infections of parents and students made the issue something that needed more discussion. "In terms of our Board goals, student achievement, as well as creating a strategic plan and also cost savings and trying to qualify for federal heavy impact aid."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593776189507.jpeg" alt="Grandview Elementary School" />
 <figcaption>Grandview Elementary School</figcaption>
 </figure>Neal noted that the District will continue to study other cost cutting possibilities and how they will improve student achievement based on the conversation about potentially closing schools.&nbsp;No final decision was made but there was discussion about other entities taking over operation of some programs currently overseen by USD 475 such as the Boys and Girls Club or the AYPYN program.&nbsp;The District is trying to reduce per pupil expenditures to re-qualify for federal heavy impact aid in the future, and to prepare for any future reductions in state aid that could occur.Franklin and Grandview Elementary Schools will both be open this fall.

USD 475 Board of Education moves away from potential closure of an elementary school