Cambria County, PA — Concerned residents and community members coming together in Jackson Township, after hearing about the possibility of the nearby elementary school closing.
They say their mission is to let district board members know why they say doing this is not a good idea.
This follows an overestimation on the taxable real estate at the Competitive Power Ventures Fairview power plant, in Jackson Township.
Officials say the district collected taxes from the powerplant based on that estimate, leading to the district owing the plant almost $4 million over the next nine years.
They say this is why they’re looking at the possibility of closing the Jackson Township Elementary. It’s one of two elementary schools in the district.
Since then a committee has been formed, with residents voicing their frustrations on Tuesday.
“If it comes down to whether or not I'm going to sacrifice my school or to keep your job, I'm going to keep the school. I think that’s where the priority needs to be; is what’s best for the community, not for the employees.” says Carl Phillips. He says he and select others don’t have a problem with the teachers, and says that's one reason to keep the elementary.
He and others also mention the expected decrease in real estate value, gas prices, nearby business, and the mental effects on children.
“To be honest, if Jackson closes, I really think we’ll pull all of our kids from school," says a parent at the meeting.
The district’s board was presented a petition at another meeting with more than 500 signatures from people urging them to keep Jackson Elementary open.
People attending Tuesday night’s committee meeting say they feel the change is short notice, and say they will continue pushing to keep the school open.
The public school board meeting will take place on April 29th, in the Central Cambria High School auditorium.
School board members say that will be to discuss a feasibility study to determine budgetary projections, which will be available to the public on April 8th.
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