A St. Paul school board meeting concerning the possible closure of five schools due to enrollment plenty of interest on Tuesday night as parents and students urged the board to vote down the proposal.
Due to falling enrollment, St. Paul Public Schools proposed closing four elementary schools including Highwood Hills, John A. Johnson, Jackson, and Wellstone, and LEAP High School.
Saint Paul Federation of Educators President Leah VanDassor was at the meeting to show support for those speaking against the idea.
“They’re here tonight, they’re wanting to know more about what’s going on and they want you to know that their building is an important building to keep open,” VanDassor said.
Students and former students told WCCO Television outside of the meeting said why they don't want to see their schools closed.
“I went to different high schools in the district and I felt like I did not belong,” said Cesar Mendez, a LEAP graduate who now attends the University of St. Thomas. “In that school I felt I was not a number, and at the other schools I was just a number. Other schools usually ignore ELL students like me.”
The board is set to vote on the measure next month. More community listening sessions are planned.