Montgomery High School students advocate against potential school closure amid budget crisis

The SRCS Special Board Meeting held on February 5, 2025, addressed critical issues surrounding the district's budget crisis and the potential closure of schools, particularly Montgomery High School. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from community members, emphasizing the importance of Montgomery and its International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Steve Bruner opened the discussion by highlighting the district's dire financial situation. He stressed the need for smart business decisions that prioritize return on investment, both financially and in terms of educational outcomes. Bruner pointed out that Montgomery's transfer rate out of the district is significantly lower than that of other schools under consideration for closure. He argued that closing Montgomery would be detrimental to the community, given its historical significance, diversity, and higher graduation and college readiness rates compared to other schools.

Following Bruner, Anjali Klimthakar, a junior and IB diploma candidate at Montgomery, spoke about the integral role of the IB program at the school. She noted that since its inception in 1995, the program has graduated 6,000 students and that 55% of the current junior and senior classes depend on it for their education. Klimthakar expressed concern over the challenges of relocating the IB program, emphasizing that it would require extensive training and resources that may not be feasible.

Tomas Mercado, also a junior and IB diploma candidate, echoed Klimthakar's sentiments, arguing that moving the IB program would be impractical. He highlighted the logistical difficulties of relocating the principal, IB coordinator, and a majority of the IB-certified teachers and students. Mercado's testimony reinforced the notion that Montgomery is the home of the IB program, and its closure would disrupt the educational paths of many students.

The meeting underscored the community's strong opposition to the potential closure of Montgomery High School, with speakers advocating for the preservation of its unique educational offerings. As the board continues to navigate the budget crisis, the voices of students and community members will likely play a crucial role in shaping future decisions. The next steps remain to be seen as the board considers the implications of their choices on the district's schools and students.