Vote also moves all 5th graders to the middle school.
FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- The fate of Lincoln Elementary came down to a vote tonight by the Fairfield Community School District Board of Directors.
And, in a 6-1 vote, the Board decided to close Lincoln Elementary. Another item tied into the vote included moving all of the 5th graders into Fairfield Middle School. The kindergarteners through fourth graders will be redistributed into the other three Fairfield elementary schools.
The Board Room was packed full and those who voiced their opinion appeared more concerned about moving the fifth graders than the closing the school.
“These two decisions are separate and they should be kept separate and they should be voted on separately. Closing Lincoln School is one issue; moving the fifth grade to the middle school is a separate issue,” said Mindy, a concerned resident.
Another resident raised concerns about his daughter not being ready for the move.
A fifth grade teacher named Derrick says he has kids that are not mature enough to be in middle school yet.
“Why are fifth graders being secluded then? If this is the right move for kids, can you answer why are they being secluded if it’s a good move? To me it was like saying I live next to a serial killer but it’s ok because I put up a fence,” said Derrick, a fifth grade teacher.
The Board made Monday night’s decision to save money. One Board Member reported they are financially strapped and currently borrow money to meet payroll needs.
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