Prairie Central Board of Education members narrowed down the number of future building scenarios to three during Tuesday’s special meeting in Fairbury.
The first option includes a new PK-4 elementary while retiring Prairie Central Elementary in Fairbury, Prairie Central Primary East in Chatsworth and Prairie Central Primary West in Chenoa. The Upper Elementary, Junior High and High School would remain the same. Total project cost is $65.4 million.
A second option includes a new 6-8 facility, PK-5 west at Prairie Central Elementary in Fairbury, PK-5 east at the current Prairie Central Junior High in Forrest with the high school remaining the same. This includes the retirement of Prairie Central Primary West, Primary East and the Upper Elementary. Total project cost is $88.6 million.
The third option under consideration has a new PK-5 building, a 6-8 Junior High at the existing PCJH and the regular high school while retiring the Upper Elementary, PC Elementary, Primary East and Primary West. This project cost is $90.8 million.
Board President John Wilken asked for a show of hands from the board of who would support closing Chatsworth and Chenoa first if the district closes one or more buildings. Everyone except member Tim McGreal raised their hand as he was undecided.
Talk of a new elementary resurfaced at this meeting, one day after much of the discussion focused on a possible new 6-8 facility at Fairbury. At that meeting, board members seemed to favor exploring the option of a more centralized building housing sixth through eighth grade students.
“I make no apologies for explaining all of the options out there and taking the time we need,” said Wilken. “I’m trying to think what this will look like in 30 years not just today.”
During board member discussion, Brad Duncan acknowledged teachers are saying that centralizing or condensing schools is better for the kids and he pointed to the efficiency standpoint of any new building.
“It can work better. You don’t have six buildings,” said Duncan.
Board member Ben Stoller said the board values opinions and is not taking this lightly.
“I feel like we all have a heart for the children, that’s where we are going with this decision.”
After the three current choices were narrowed down, member Dana Kafer had questions pertaining to the new Junior High option.
“I’m confused why we are going back to the new Junior High?” she asked.
“It’s unfinished business, in my opinion,” replied Wilken.
Plenty of public comments were once again offered at the meeting. Shannon Brown, an interventionist at Prairie Central Elementary, pointed to the conditions at her school where she shares a room with a special ed teacher. Brown feels it is impossible for students to get the best education in a space like this.
“This is a problem across our district for our neediest kids,” she said.
Brown believes a new PK-5 building north of the high school would give students a facility for the best education.
Local resident John Rich said he was disappointed since he didn’t recognize the proposals given at the previous meeting. If schools in the outside towns must be closed, Rich would like to see a recreation area or pavilion in those locations.
“We have to keep in mind the original reason we got together,” explained Rich. “It’s for a better education for our kids.”
Marion Shier said there is no winning as there will always be differences of opinion. He called for a balance in the thought process and he once again expressed concerns over a new building north of the high school due to congestion in the Seventh Street area.
Alissa Fosdick hopes the board members are able to “cut through the noise” and concentrate on educating students. Fosdick indicated buildings are in need of repair and putting band-aids on the buildings is where we are at today.
“This is not about one community winning and one community losing,” she stated.
Susan Hughes, who grew up in Chatsworth but lives in Chenoa, admits she would be sad if towns lose schools but feels the bottom line is doing things for the kids.
“Education is the most important for our kids. I’m all for centralizing our schools,” said Hughes.
“What happens if the plan you came to a decision on is not passed?” asked Mary Cerda.
The board again meets this Thursday evening for its regular monthly business meeting, although members are expected to handle routine business and not cover the building issue. The next special meeting pertaining to facilities is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23 followed by other meetings July 29 and 30 along with August 1 and 5.
“If we do really well, we may cancel some,” explained Wilken.
August 19 is the deadline for the school to get something on the ballot for November’s election though information would need to be submitted to attorneys earlier in August, according to Superintendent Paula Crane.
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