School closure vote set for Wednesday

The Maricopa Unified School District governing board it scheduled to vote on closing Maricopa Wells Middle School during its 6 p.m. meeting Wednesday after tabling a vote on the closure two weeks ago.

That decision came after more than 20 students, teachers and parents spoke before the board opposing the plan and presented a proposal to have the two middle schools remain open by taking away salary increases recommended by the district’s budget committee.

Superintendent Steve Chestnut pointed out there weren’t any salary increases planned.

Chestnut has recommended closing MWMS and keeping Desert Wind Middle School open. The board previously voted to retain sixth grade at the elementary school, which automatically converts the remaining middle school into a junior high school.

Closing a middle school would save the district $542,000. The district faces a $1 million deficit in the 2013-2014 school year.

Board president Torri Anderson said during the March 27 meeting she wanted more time to review how two smaller middle-turned-junior-high schools could remain open.

Chestnut said keeping both schools open was an option, but the district would have to make $300,000 to $400,000 in reductions at both schools to make such a plan work, including eliminating three to five teaching positions.

The board also is scheduled Wednesday to discuss, and possibly approve, creating one attendance area for grades seven and eight, and consider updating policies on graduation requirements, the admission of transfer students and interscholastic sports, among others.

***ADVERTISEMENT***The school board meets in the district office, 44150 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway. 

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