Montezuma Elementary transferred to IATS for $1

It is a new era for the Southwest Parke Community School Corporation as the district recently sold Montezuma Elementary to Indiana Agriculture & Technology School for $1. 

The $1 fee stems from the Indiana General Assembly, who enacted legislation several years ago stating that if a public school corporation no longer used a building, a charter school could purchase it for $1. 

IATS is currently a tuition free Indiana public charter school that serves students in grades 7-12. This will be the first elementary school IATS has overseen. 

The move comes after Indiana Agriculture & Technology School named Janine Sutton as the new leader of Montezuma Elementary ahead of the school's August opening. 

Earlier this year, the Southwest Parke Community School Board voted 5-0 to close Montezuma Elementary School, citing poor enrollment. The decision to close was 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. 

Superintendent Dr. Phil Harrison has previously said the district stands to save almost $1.4 million by closing Montezuma Elementary. 

The majority of the savings comes from a reduction of staff, which saved over $1.2 million, as well as a reduction of cost to the tune of $363 thousand by not using the building any more. 

The reduction of staff featured nine certified teachers, 11 non-certified staff, and six non-certified staff from the Operations Fund, for a total of 26 staff members who were part of the reduction in force implementation. Those who were part of the reduction in force program could be eligible for new positions if qualified, Harrison said. 

By closing the school, the district no longer has to pay for insurance, mowing or operations costs.