Beattie Elementary teachers and parents celebrated Wednesday after learning the Poudre School District Board of Education voted 4-3 to keep the school’s doors open.
But Beattie supporters will have to continue working to keep the school viable and efficient as the district continues to struggle with financial woes, said principal Sam Aldern.
“It’s a responsibility we welcome with open arms,” Aldern said. “It means good things for our future.”
Beattie was targeted for closure by district officials, who said Poudre could save $363,391 a year by shuttering the Fort Collins school.
The closure move began as the district’s budget shrank by $12 million this school year. Further budget reductions are expected in coming years.
Parents rallied around Beattie, which has an enrollment of about 280 students, with many coming from low-income families. But Beattie students also consistently notch high test scores, the parents said.
Over the weekend, more than 700 people held a “Hands Around Beattie” event at the school. Feedback from parents was also gathered at two community meetings and through a communitywide survey.
Board president Nancy Tellez said more creative options need to be pursued to save dollars while still providing quality education for students.
“New approaches can be tried,” Tellez said. “We have all kinds of opportunities and ways to address those reduced resources.”
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
