(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – We learned earlier this week in the newsroom of a meeting called among the Joppa Maple Grove School Board Members regarding the future of the Maple Grove Elementary structure.
The meeting was held on Thursday evening.
Following Roll Call – Public Comments were held regarding the potential of closing Maple Grove School and moving the students to Joppa High.
The first speaker, a parent stated that he felt there was a predetermined outcome in the decision due to a social media post that was made to fundraise for playground equipment for the Joppa High School grounds which was later removed. During the speaker’s time he was corrected on a couple of items by the school board president.
The first speaker went on to express concerns regarding:
-lunch times for students
-recess and PE concerns (1 gymnasium)
-current bathrooms in the high school
-insurance money regarding Maple Grove Elementary
-staff members at Maple Grove Elementary – retention of jobs – overflow of employees
The first speaker closed by saying he felt moving the younger students to the high school building is not what is best for the kids.
The second speaker stated that the committee took many factors into mind in discussing the potentials of how to handle the situation that occurred at Maple Grove Elementary just at the start of back to school due to storm damage.
The second speaker went on to say that the decision was not predetermined and many felt the weight of the decision due to their histories there. She stressed that what makes the Maple Grove community thrive is the teachers, not the building.
A third speaker, a parent reiterated that Maple Grove Elementary is made up of the teachers and staff – not the building, noting that when his dad went to school there it was a one room schoolhouse.
He noted the hard choices involved in what has taken place. He said that while the younger students are at the high school now – the situation is not perfect, but it is a part of their passion to have saved and continue saving the Joppa Maple Grove district. He mentioned comments made on a social media post announcing the meeting. He implied that this situation is something that may have come on in the long term but is now here and must be handled as well as possible.
At this point the speaker made a comment about enrollment and addressed someone on the board regarding where their child attends school. The board member told the speaker he was tired of his personal attacks. This went on for another round of barbs before another board member advised them that this was not a discussion for open session.
A fourth speaker, Joppa Maple Grove Principal Wendy Wear wanted to respond regarding the post that had appeared on Facebook regarding playground equipment for the Maple Grove Students. She clarified that the post was not made due to a decision having already been made regarding the permanency of the change for the younger students.
A fifth speaker, School Board President Kevin Castleman stated that he appreciates the committee which was made up of teachers, students, administration and parents. He said that the committee was made up of seven members. He said that he is not excited about this issue and has a long history at the school himself. He then said that he feels the committee did what’s best for the students and best for the district.
The issue was then called for discussion –
One member wants to see further info before making the decision
A motion was made to take the vote. A member of the board attempted to make a motion to table but was excused and interrupted with a motion to take the vote. The vote passed 4-3 and a motion was immediately made for dismissal.
You may see a video below from last night’s meeting taken by Sally Lang. We greatly appreciate Sally making this available.
Maple Grove Students will continue to attend the Joppa High School. We’re sure that this will be a fluid situation as adjustments and accommodations are made. WMOK will continue to follow the situation.
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