TECUMSEH, Mich. — Tecumseh School Board voted to reconfigure its school district at its board meeting Monday night.
As a part of the plan, Herrick Park Intermediate Learning Center and Patterson Park Intermediate Learning Center will close at the end of the school year.
Michelle Malewitz lives in Tecumseh with her husband and son. She was at the meeting when it was announced.
"My son has been at third and now fourth grade at Herrick Park, which is one of the schools that is closing," Malewitz said. "As I dug in more to some of the budgeting issues, I realized that the district needs to make some changes. I just don't agree with the way it was done."
She wanted to see the district form committees made up of parents and teachers to help make these decisions. That's what some Tecumseh teachers wanted too.
The Tecumseh Education Association shared the results of a teacher survey. About 75% of those who took it think the district should wait a year and make committees before changing anything.
More than 10% of surveyed teachers said they would seek other employment if reconfiguration happens. About 1 in 5 said they would find another job if they are reassigned as part of the reconfiguration plan.
School Board President Tony Rebottaro said after months of looking into options, they decided to go with this plan, which will also cut 11 to 13 staff members.
District leaders said the reconfiguration will save Tecumseh School more than $1.8 million, and Rebottaro said they had to do something to mitigate the issues.
"Obviously staff is very important to us, we do not want staff to leave," he said. "The bond didn't pass last time, the community told us to get your financials in order and figure out a way to do that."
In a release sent out by the district Tuesday, it was announced where students will be going to school now:
"Approved by the Board of Education, the restructuring plan for Tecumseh Public Schools, starting from the 2024-2025 academic year, includes the following building and grade structures:
- Sutton Early Learning Center - Young 5s-3rd grade
- Tecumseh Acres Early Learning Center - Young 5s-3rd grade
- Tecumseh Middle School - 4th-8th grade
- Tecumseh High School - 9th-12th grade (remains the same)"
WTOL 11 reached out to the Tecumseh Education Association for comment but did not immediately hear back.
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