Belvidere School District holds discussion on possible closure of Perry Elementary

BELVIDERE, Ill. (WIFR) - The Belvidere School District held the first of several public meetings Monday to discuss potential changes to school buildings, including whether Perry Elementary should close or be repurposed.

District 100 hopes to realign resources to provide support and added value to the community.

The possible closure of Perry Elementary stems from a below-average number of students living in the area and who attend the school, as well as a lack of accessibility for some students with special needs, and a lack of language support for students who do not speak English as a first language. Repairs to the building itself are also needed, including a renovation of the roof. The school board says it could cost a total of $11 million to make much-needed changes to the facility.

“That’s really the decision that’s before the board and before the community: Do you invest in the existing infrastructure of that school or do you look to close that facility and invest otherwise,” says Belvidere School District Superintendent Cassandra Schug.

Parents and teachers speak at the podium expressing their concerns regarding the possible closure. Several spoke out on behalf of their children who would likely be separated from their friends if they had to change schools. Others described the close community at Perry Elementary, explaining the impact the teachers have on each student individually. Principal Catherine Hornbeck says the small class sizes at Perry are utilized to meet the needs of each student.

“The closure of Perry would have consequences, particularly for those who rely on it most. For some it may disrupt routines and impact family time due to changes in transportation arrangements,” Hornbeck says. “We do risk depriving our children the comfort and security they can find in our school community.”

Should Perry Elementary close, the board of education says all current staff and students would be transferred to a different school in the district. As for Perry itself, Schug says she does not want the building to sit abandoned and hopes it can be repurposed.

“I think that we would talk to the board, determine what they would like to have as their next steps, but our options are relatively limited we would probably look at selling that property or utilizing perhaps other options to help to engage in a partnership,” Schug says.

The next hearing is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at the district office, 1201 5th Ave. in Belvidere.

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