Tennyson Elementary advocates propose student population growth strategies to avoid staffing cuts

The April 14th Board Meeting in Indiana focused on critical discussions regarding Tennyson Elementary School, particularly its enrollment challenges and staffing concerns. The meeting began with a presentation from a community member advocating for the school, highlighting the need to address school district boundaries and the potential for an additional school bus service to improve access for families in nearby areas.

The speaker emphasized that the current strategy of reducing staff at Tennyson, which already operates with limited personnel, may not be the best approach to lowering costs per student. With the instructional cost per student at Tennyson projected to rise significantly due to declining enrollment—down to 50 students next year—the speaker suggested that increasing student numbers should be prioritized over staffing changes. They proposed that extending the overlapping district areas could allow more students to attend Tennyson, potentially alleviating financial pressures.

Following this, another community member expressed gratitude to the board for their efforts to keep Tennyson open but criticized the central office for prioritizing financial concerns over educational quality. This speaker pointed out that rumors about the school's potential closure have negatively impacted enrollment, suggesting that clearer communication from the school district could help reassure families about Tennyson's future.

The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between financial management and educational quality at Tennyson Elementary, with community members urging the board to consider strategies that could enhance student enrollment before making staffing changes that could affect the school's educational environment. The discussions highlighted the importance of transparency and proactive communication in maintaining community trust and support for the school.