ALLEGAN, Mich. — Tonight is your last chance to voice concerns and learn about the future of North Ward Elementary’s transition into a daycare.
Allegan Public Schools plans to distribute all students and staff at the school throughout the district while turning the K-5 elementary into a childhood development center.
School officials are inviting all parents of students within the district to voice their concerns or ask questions at their final meeting at 7 p.m. at Allegan High School.
Allegan Public Schools Superintendent James Antoine says one of the main reasons for the reconfiguration is a big drop in student population. The district has lost 600 students since 2003.
Antoine says the transition would create an additional 30 jobs as all students and staff would be distributed into the district’s remaining three elementary schools.
“While this recommendation is difficult, it is made with the very best intentions,” Antoine said. "There will be childcare, but that childcare will be curriculum-based with learning opportunities and an expanded preschool.
