Parents offering new alternative for Montezuma Elementary families

A group of parents believe there is still plenty of life when it comes to education in Montezuma despite a decision earlier this year from the Southwest Parke Community School Board to close Montezuma Elementary School at the end of the academic year. 

A group called United for Southwest Parke Schools is currently working with Indiana Agriculture and Technology School with hopes of bringing a charter school option to the community. IATS currently is a tuition free Indiana public charter school that serves students in grades 7-12.

The move comes on the heels of the SW Park Community School Board voting 5-0 in favor of closing Montezuma Elementary, citing poor enrollment. The decision to close the school is part of the district's revision plan. 

As a result, fifth and sixth grade students from both Montezuma Elementary and Rosedale Elementary will be sent to the Riverton Parke High School campus and Rosedale Elementary will serve all students in grades Kindergarten through fourth, including those who previously attended Montezuma Elementary. 

Nathan and Heather Falls are part of the group and told The Parke County Post community support seems strong and the movement is going "well."

"We are doing what we feel is best for our community. Plus, the more we explored charters and talked about exploring education differently than what has been done, it seems like parents in the area could use a choice or have better options," the couple said. 

Falls said parents have expressed an interest in school choice. 

"This community has strong ties to its elementary and we want our kids to go there if they can. The community has definitely come out to help, ask questions and offer support," Falls said. 

Should everything go well, the group hopes to open a charter school in August for preschool through sixth grade. IATS has sent a letter to the Indiana Department of Education seeking to purchase the Montezuma Elementary School building, and a letter was also sent to Southwest Parke Community School Superintendent Dr. Phil Harrison. 

The group meets every Monday at the Montezuma Scout House, 965 N. Jefferson St., Montezuma, and there is a United for Southwest Parke Schools Facebook page. 

"The biggest thing is if a parent is interested, they need to get a pre-enrollment form filled out. Some folks are surprised that this community has come together like this, but not me," Falls said.