MUSKEGON, MI. - Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Justin Jennings has pledged not to close schools for the 2018 -19 school year. Other cuts are on the table, and while it's not a cut, the district plans to make a program change before the start of school this fall. The district will move the Muskegon Community Education Center into the high school.
"We are developing it to be a school within a school," said Jennings. "We will have the program but it won't be labeled as M.C.E.C. and it won't be a stand alone building they will be a part of the high school and integrated into the high school."
Jennings says the move will allow M.C.E.C. students more opportunities to transition back into the high school and also participate in electives.
Currently 72 students are enrolled at the M.C.E.C. The virtual school which is housed at the same building on Apple Ave. will close. Those changes are not expected to result in cuts to staff.
"M.C.E.C. is very lean as far as teachers and staff, so I can't say no, but I do not think that's going to happen," said Jennings.
Tuesday night Superintendent Jennings and school board members heard two hours of angry public comments from parents and alumni. The board had been considering four different district re-alignment plans. Three of the four plans would have closed the middle school. All four plans were tabled.
Declining enrollment is hurting Muskegon School District. It leaves Jennings and school administrators facing a budget deficit, and searching for ways to reduce costs.
"Part of loosing students is making those cuts," said Jennings. "We want to keep them as far away from the classroom as possible."
The Muskegon Public Schools Board is expected to meet next week on April 24, at 6 p.m.
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