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Public urges reconsideration of Mary Esther Elementary closure; board says decision driven by enrollment
Summary
A public commenter urged the Okaloosa board to consider equity and alternatives before voting on a proposed closure of Mary Esther Elementary (Title I); the board and superintendent said the possible action is enrollment-driven, that the school is not labeled failing under state statute, and that any sale proceeds would be capital funds.
At the public-comment portion of Wednesday’s workshop, Cynthia West urged the Okaloosa County School Board to consider equity and alternatives before moving forward with a possible closure of Mary Esther Elementary, which is slated for a February 23 preliminary vote.
West, who identified herself as a community researcher of district funding and policy, said Mary Esther serves a high-need population (she cited roughly 72% of students qualifying for free and…
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