The Saint Joseph School District Board voted 5–2 to rescind its October adoption of Plan E and to approve Plan 4BR, a consolidation plan that would move to a central and Benton high-school model. The actions followed an extended public-comment period in which teachers, students, parents and community groups urged the board to retain three high schools.

Board discussion focused on academic offerings, staffing efficiency and district finances. A school official presenting the administration’s case said consolidation is intended to make staffing more sustainable and to help meet a district target to reduce expenditures by about $8,000,000 within two years. Board members warning against delay said declining enrollment and staffing challenges create risks if the district maintains the status quo.

Opponents at the microphone described potential harms to student well-being, extracurricular opportunities and equity. Students and staff repeatedly told the board, “Keep all 3,” arguing that larger, consolidated buildings would reduce access to small-school supports and extracurricular slots. One community speaker, Connor Zai, asked the board to "keep all 3," saying the North Side community would lose identity and families could leave the district.

In debate on rescinding Plan E, a board member moved “to rescind the motion of October 27 which adopted Plan E as the board’s course of action” after citing concerns about academics, staffing and financials; that motion passed 5–2. Shortly thereafter, another member moved to accept Plan 4BR and permit administrators to make only minor, non-closure-changing adjustments; that motion also passed 5–2.

The administration presented an impact analysis and answered capacity questions about Rubadoux (presented enrollment range if converted to elementary: approximately 572–608 students) and Benton (capacity reported as 1,336 without gyms and 1,733 including gyms). The administration reiterated that consolidation aims to reduce staffing through attrition and preserve course offerings by concentrating specialized teachers.

Several community members raised financial allegations about prior district management, including a claim that the district failed to apply for $9.6 million in federal funding and that a curriculum contract error required an unexpected upfront payment; those claims were made from the public lectern and were not adjudicated during the meeting. Another group warned of potential litigation and asked the district to preserve records related to consolidation planning.

The board’s vote ends the short-term path set by Plan E and advances the administration-backed Plan 4BR. Board members said next steps will include administrative planning for transitions, communications to families and continued monitoring of staffing and program placement. The board adjourned the meeting after taking other routine business up on the agenda and voting to enter executive session for legal/personnel matters.

Votes at a glance: Rescind Plan E — motion passes 5–2. Approve Plan 4BR — motion passes 5–2.