SW Parke projected to save over a million dollars closing Montezuma Elementary

While there may have been a tough unanimous vote earlier this school year by the Southwest Parke School Board to close Montezuma Elementary, by doing so, the district announced it is projected to save over a million dollars. 

Earlier this month, Superintendent Dr. Phil Harrison shared with the board and those in attendance, the district is projected to save over $1.4 million by shuttering the school. 

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. 

In addition, there will be no summer school at Montezuma this year and transportation will be provided for any student in need. 

Plans continue as to merging students from Montezuma Elementary and Rosedale and what that may look like. In addition, there is a movement by some parents to bring a charter school to the former Montezuma Elementary building.