WICHITA, Kan. (AP) The Wichita school board has voted to close five schools and change school boundaries.
The board’s vote came after weeks of public controversy and emotional testimony at Monday’s night’s meeting.
Wichita school board member Lanora Nolan said the board was forced to close four elementary schools and Northeast Magnet High School because of reductions in state funding in the past four years.
The Wichita Eagle reports the vote came after several people stood and shouted in unison at board members before being ushered out by police.
Board members and Superintendent John Allison say closing schools is necessary to open and operate five new schools being built as part of a $370 million bond issue.
Opponents said the new schools aren’t better than older, smaller neighborhood schools.
