Lang
3/17/24
The Iowa City Community school board has declined an invitation by the City of Hills to participate in an open public forum to discuss the proposed closure of Hills Elementary School. That’s according to Hills city officials, who are now encouraging residents to make their voices heard in other ways.
Low enrollment and budget constraints are being cited as reasons for closing the school, which has an estimated enrollment of 126 students for next school year. Cost per student is estimated to be the highest in the district.
District officials say closing Hills would save an estimated $1.6 million annually. Current students would be redistricted to other elementary schools.
Hills officials recently reached out to the school board, asking them to hold a public forum in Hills to hear residents plead their cases for keeping the school open. A Saturday post on the official City of Hills Facebook page indicates that invitation was declined, so city officials are now encouraging residents to email the school board at board@iowacityschools.org to give their opinions. They’re also asking Hills residents to attend the next school board meeting to express their concerns. That meeting is set for Tuesday, March 26th at 6 p.m. at the district offices on North Dodge Street in Iowa City.