By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Community members attending a public hearing in Grandview Plaza Monday evening supported keeping Grandview Elementary School open. USD 475 has proposed closing that facility and the H.D. Karns Building in Junction City with students from the Karns facility then attending in Grandview Plaza and the students from Grandview Elementary going to either Spring Valley or Sheridan Elementary schools in Junction City.
The moves would reduce costs and expenses for the school district. They would save a an estimated $856,000. If they are not closed it could lead to further reduction in staff.
There were numerous sentiments expressed by the public.
--"Our community , we love our kids, protect each other."
--"This school is very impotant to this community."
--"If the school is closed it would devastate this community."
--"The school is the pinnacle of our community."
--Without the elementary school the community could have trouble getting people to move there.
--School district officials were urged to come up with a better option.
The H.D. Karns Building could possibly be sold or torn down. USD 475 was urged to investigate all things for keeping the building.
The gymnasium at Grandview Elementary was nearly full for the public hearing. No action was taken by the BOE, but they are expected to consider a final decision on the school closure issue when they meet Tuesday evening at the Devin Center. That meeting will begin at 6 p.m.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston said that they are considering closing the schools due to an increase in expenses, from a district standpoint as well as per pupil expenditures. He noted that it would help the district financially for the 2026-27 and 2028-29 school years.
One other topic has risen. Eggleston noted that the Grandview Plaza mayor and city council have shared their interest in purchasing the Grandview Elementary facility if the district decides that it wants to close that school.