TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – USD 434 is holding a public hearing this week that would shut down Scranton Attendance Center.
Dana Noonan is among the many Scranton residents concerned.
“I think we’re a great little community and I think that we have a lot of people that would care if they know what’s going on,” she said.
From her grandkid currently attending Scranton Attendance Center, to her own days in the halls, the school is in Noonan’s blood.
That’s why she wants the community to speak up about its possible closure.
“As residents, we do have a say,” Noonan said. “My mission is to get as many people here, let them know what’s going on and let their words be heard.”
USD 434 Superintendent Faith Flory recognized the concern and the community’s passion, but says it’s time to prepare for the future.
“We understand these concerns and commend the community’s passion,” Flory said. “There is so much history, heart, and pride in this district and we are committed to maintaining that through these difficult decisions. This is not an easy decision, but we must prepare for the long-term future.
Noonan says the impact extends outside the building’s halls.
“You’re not going to get young people to move into your town because you have no school,” she said. “So it does have an impact onus, you know, a financial impact.”
Flory says the proposal is the result of a 3.5 year data-driven study necessitated by declining enrollment and growing fragmentation in the district.
If the board vote goes through, the preschool program will be moved to Overbrook Attendance Center.
“I want my grandkids to feel like they belong,” Noonan said. “I think if they take our school, they don’t feel like they feel like they’re part of this community, they feel like they’re part of another community. And that’s sad.”
The public hearing is at Scranton Attendance Center this Wednesday at 6 p.m.
It’s located at 104 S Burlingame Ave.
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