East Allen Residents Share Mixed Reactions On New District Proposal

The East Allen County School Board has made many tough cuts this year.

Now members will have to consider making yet another one.

"East Allen County District is such a large district that I don't know that there's any way that they could ever look into making two districts out of it” says East Allen County resident, Sandy Oehler.

Next year EACS will close six schools. It's part a major district overhaul-

And not everyone's happy.

New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald is so upset with the plan that he wants to take New Haven out of East Allen County Schools. His plan is to start a new district.

"I think new haven's trying to make a statement. I think they're probably trying to say 'wait a minute here. Have all possibilities been looked at?’” says Oehler.

McDonald says he'll form a committee to investigate the probability of leaving East Allen County Schools.

Today FOX Fort Wayne asked East Allen residents for their opinion.

Some like the idea of a New Haven School District.

"I don't see anything wrong with them having their own school district” says one resident.

Another says "I think it's large enough. I think that it possibly could be a good idea."

But others say the idea wasn't well thought out.

Resident, Lynn Fish says "it’s going to take alot of money out of east Allen County. Whether there'd be enough money there for new haven to sustain itself or not, I don't know."

Fox Fort Wayne spoke with EACS Superintendent Karyle Green today. Green says "it's unfortunate that there are people in New Haven that feel that way." She also says she was taken back by McDonald’s statement and that at one time he praised the redesign plan.

McDonald on the other hand says he's confident "that EACs will not take this matter seriously."

Whether they take it seriously or not the school board will be involved. The board would have to give new haven permission to break free. According to the Indiana Department of Education, it's unlikely that will happen. No area in Indiana has ever successfully separated from a district to start their own.

Once McDonald’s committee is in place, a press conference will be held. At that time McDonald will outline the group's mission.

Stay tuned right here to FOX Fort Wayne news for the latest on this story.