SW Parke School Board votes to close Montezuma Elementary

After waves of emotional, public meetings that generated plenty of questions and answers, the Southwest Parke School Board voted this week to close Montezuma Elementary School at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year. 

The decision, which was unanimous, is part of the school corporation's Revision Project, which is due to a lack of sufficient funding in the operating budget, as well as declining enrollment. For most of the last month and a half, district Superintendent Dr. Phillip Harrison has discussed a desire to get all the schools on one campus, noting it would help the district save money. 

During the public meetings, elementary consolidation was a constant theme, and Harrison said much of that had to do with a declining enrollment at Montezuma and the proximity of Rosedale Elementary to Vigo County. 

Enrollment and proximity were, again, two themes that came up during this week's meeting. 

Many in attendance asked why Montezuma was being closed and what the financial impact on the district would be as a result. Harrison said if the district opted to close Montezuma, the district would see an impact of almost $1.5 million and the district would be in good shape financially. 

In addition, it was announced by Harrison there would be additional transportation costs and there are plans to cut seven to 10 teachers, three to six non-certified staff and several staff who do not teach. 

Both board members Kevin Allen and Nathan Adams cited enrollment as the overwhelming reason why Montezuma will be shuttered in a few months. 

Allen said Montezuma has lost 22 percent of its population in recent years, and pointed to Senate Enrolled Act 1, which cut property taxes, as part of the problem. 

"We are not getting any help in the public school system from our legislatures," Allen said before voting yes. 

Adams echoed those sentiments, adding that Rosedale has about 100 more students. 

"We selected Montezuma so we would be disrupting fewer lives. We have to do what is best for kids," Adams said. 

After stating that he would not be in favor of closing Montezuma Elementary at a prior meeting, Board President Darrek Davis changed his mind, citing no other options. 

With the decision official, fifth and sixth grade students from Montezuma and Rosedale will attend Riverton Parke, beginning with the 2026-27 school year. Riverton Parke will now be called Riverton Parke Middle School, and will house students in grades 5 through 8. Riverton Parke High School will continue to serve students in grades 9 through 12. Preschool at Rosedale Elementary will now shift to being completely parent paid.