South Bend district seeking feedback on school buildings. Here's how you can weigh in

SOUTH BEND — The South Bend school district is seeking input on its facilities master plan in two meetings this spring.

The district announced in a press release Friday that Kareemah Fowler, South Bend's assistant superintendent of business and finance, will lead the meetings — one this month and one in May.

The meetings come after the district closed two elementary schools and discussed more changes, including a possible high school closure or restructuring, last year.

School Board President John Anella made clear in a recent trustee meeting that the district is not considering closing its Washington High School.

When asked this week about a potential high school closure, school officials said they are focused at this time "on programmatic vision, not specific building closures." 

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The meetings come as the school corporation looks to reduce its footprint amid years of declining enrollment.

School officials closed the district's Hay and Tarkington elementary schools last summer and announced in January 2021 that they would consider realignment plans at the secondary level; including the creation of two 6-12 grade-serving junior-senior high schools, the reconfiguration of an existing high school into a career center or, "as a last resort," the closure of one high school.

Other district officials and representatives from architecture firm Fanning Howey will join Fowler in the upcoming meetings, which will solicit feedback on programs like athletics, career and technical education, fine arts and special education.

Each meeting will consist of a 30-minute presentation followed by a community conversation, according to the district's release. Facilities discussions will center around four items; educational framework, demographics, conditions and funding.

In June 2020, the district passed a $54 million capital referendum to pay for projects like security enhancements, deferred maintenance and "right-sizing" the district.

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The district's first meeting will be 9 to 11 a.m. March 19 at the Brown Community Learning Center and will allow community members to express their initial input. An online questionnaire will available for two weeks following this meeting.

A second meeting is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. May 5 at the Charles Black Community Center. During this meeting, school officials will discuss recommendations for a long-range facilities plan using input collected during the March meeting.

"This is a vital step toward a more successful district," Fowler said in the news release. "We cannot proceed without careful consideration of the current culture — where we are now, where we belong, and how we can enhance and redesign our environment for the success of our students, teachers, families, and the entire South Bend community."

Email South Bend Tribune education reporter Carley Lanich at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @carleylanich.