EACS Parents React To Recent Redesign Votes

Many East Allen parents say change isn't always a good thing.

"I’m very disappointed that nothing is being done to keep them in their school” says Sharitta Holder, who has a senior and sophomore at Paul Harding High School.

Next year Holder’s not sure what school her sophomore will be at.

"Everything is being done to keep them away from their area, their community” Holder says.

Last night, The East Allen County Administration Building was packed with concerned parents. Holder was one of them.

The board made several changes to the district redesign plan. A big one was allowing Harding parents the opportunity to choose which of the four high schools their students would attend. Harding will be turned into a magnet school. Originally students were to be sent to New Haven High School during the transition.

"I’m at a loss for words and really frustrated. I don't feel like every effort has been made” says Nina Newson, who has a daughter at Harding.

"My daughter will not go to Leo; she will not go to Heritage. I will send her to another school. We'll go to Fort Wayne Community or we'll go to Luers…you're breaking up friendships, relationships, you're breaking up community” says Newson.

Last, night the board also voted to close New Haven and Village Elementary Schools. Superintendent Karyle Green says that since state funding is down, closures are a must. Still many parents aren't buying it.

"Village Middle School has already been closed. So we have two vacant buildings in middle of the neighborhood” says Holder.

Today, The New Haven Citizens For Better Education told FOX Fort Wayne:

"Although it was not that transparent in their initial redesign plan, New Haven Elementary was already planned to be closed as an elementary school. We knew this. It is interesting though that the EACS board and administration can make this many changes to their already approved plan. "

The two new changes will go into effect for the 2011-2012 school year.

            A side note about the transition if an East Allen school reaches capacity next year, Harding seniors and their family members will be given top priority. A lottery system will be used is necessary.

There will be an informational meeting for the Harding parents next Tuesday at 6:30PM in the Harding auditorium.