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Public hearing in Harlem UD 122 draws sustained opposition to proposed school closures
Summary
Parents, students and staff urged Harlem Consolidated School District No. 122 to preserve Maple, Olson Park and programs such as ALP at a Jan. 26 public hearing, raising concerns about kindergarten logistics, special-needs transitions, busing and a perceived lack of transparency; the board took no action and adjourned.
The Harlem Consolidated School District No. 122 held a special public hearing on Jan. 26, 2026, at Harlem High School to receive comment on proposed building closures tied to a consolidation plan. Dozens of residents, parents and students urged the board to preserve neighborhood schools and specialized programs.
Several speakers urged retention of specific schools and programs. Mr. Jake Hubert said he surveyed six teachers and parents in a nearby district and that none preferred neighborhood schools; he said his daughter's academic progress led him to "support option four." Ms. Mary Hunter urged the board to preserve Parker Center for younger students, warning that changes to kindergarten logistics — "toileting and clothing changes" and the loss of classroom bathrooms — would create problems for young children and staff.
Multiple speakers pleaded with the board to keep Maple and Olson Park open. Mr. Don Campbell said the board offered "no alternatives" to Maple's closure and stressed the emotional and community harm, including potential increases in student anxiety and behavioral issues. Ms. Piper Campbell reiterated opposition to Maple's closure and highlighted the school's unique features. Ms. Cecilia Jones and Ms. Jennifer Hartmann described positive experiences with Olson Park staff and interventions, and asked that the school community be preserved.
Speakers also raised programmatic and operational concerns. Ms. Jaime Richart said the Advanced Learning Program (ALP) requires a curriculum and structure distinct from honors classes and called for its preservation. Ms. Katie Fowler and Ms. Christine Franklin warned about challenges for self-contained and early-childhood special-needs programs during consolidation, citing transition difficulties if students are moved from familiar settings. Ms. Sophia O'Rourke highlighted transportation impacts, saying closures of Olson Park and Maple could sharply increase the number of buses needed and create inefficiencies.
Several public commenters asked for greater transparency. Ms. Megan Schulz and Ms. Jennifer Hartmann requested regular updates and clearer explanations of the district's challenges and the specific steps the board plans to take. Student or family testimony included Mr. Miles Schulz's appeal that the board not "take away" his teachers and friends.
No formal board action on closures is recorded in the hearing minutes. The meeting concluded with a procedural motion to adjourn: Diana Johnson moved, Aaron McKnight seconded, and the minutes state "All voted aye; Motion Carried." The hearing was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
The public record for this meeting consists of the hearing comments summarized in the minutes; the minutes do not show a board vote or decision on any consolidation option during this session.
