MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — The Harlem School Board voted unanimously to close Olson Park and Maple Elementary schools Tuesday night; part of a consolidation plan aimed at addressing the district’s budget deficit.
The board’s decision will implement a neighborhood school model for the next school year. Under this plan, all kindergarten students will attend Parker Center. After that, 1st through 5th graders transition to other schools based on their residence. Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough stated that this new model is expected to save the district $3.3 million.
Parents and students expressed dissatisfaction with the closures during the board meeting. Many attendees, including Don Campbell’s daughter, who previously attended Maple, was visibly upset…