After months of push back, Bettendorf school board votes to close elementary school

A blow to some Bettendorf families after Monday night’s school board meeting. 

Board members voted to shutdown one of the elementary schools. 

It comes after more than six months of discussion, dating back to January. 

More than 70 people showed up to oppose the move, but members say it’s the only way to save the district money in the long run. 

Here’s what the board voted on Monday night: 

• Thomas Jefferson Elementary school will be shutdown.
• That building will be sold through a public process. 
• Jefferson students will join Mark Twain Elementary students in their brand new, three-section building. 
• The design and development plan for the new Mark Twain Elementary school was approved

School board members say state funding has decreased over the years and keeping Jefferson open is costing too much. 

“I know the financial aspect of this is not sustainable. Unfortunately, a decision has to be made and it’s not a decision I want to be put in,” says Andrew champion, Bettendorf School Board director.

School board members say consolidation will save them more than $400,000. 

It would also allow them to use $1.5 million that was slated for improving Thomas Jefferson for other purposes. 

But some parents say the math doesn’t add up.

“It seems absolutely insane to build a $16 million school and use the excuse that you’re going to save $500,000 a year. Well then, if my math serves me right, it’s going to take them more than 30 years to make up that difference,” says Becca Eastman a parent with a student at Thomas Jefferson Elementary. 

Board members say the only other way to cut costs would be to slash teaching positions across the board.

The consolidation is expected to come during the 2019/2020 school year. 

Board members say most teachers will keep their jobs, but some administrative positions will be cut.