Rochester board weighs closure of Northwest Middle School; staff and families urge delay

The Rochester Board of Education on Feb. 27 considered a district recommendation to close Northwest Middle School at the Douglas campus and relocate Andrew Langston Middle School into that building as part of the district's facilities modernization planning.

The proposal, presented by Interim Superintendent Demarino Strickland, would withdraw Northwest's BEDS code and move Andrew Langston's BEDS code to the Douglas campus to provide swing space for planned renovations elsewhere. Strickland said the change is driven by test-fit results for the Facilities Modernization Program (FMP), enrollment patterns, and a need to create space for Wilson Magnet High School renovations.

Why it matters: The proposal touched a nerve with Northwest staff, teachers and parents who said the school's culture, teacher retention and student supports would be harmed by a rushed consolidation. Supporters of Northwest urged the board to allow more time for community input and to follow board policy requiring three months' notice before a closure vote.

Teachers, staff and alumni filled the public-comment portion of the meeting and described the school as a stable community for students and families. Katie…