Lansing schools announces plans to merge elementaries, move students

LANSING - The Lansing School District plans to move students out of three elementary buildings for the 2023-24 school year, partly because of construction needs.

District officials will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. Friday in the Board of Education room of the Shirley M. Rodgers Administration Building, 519 W. Kalamazoo St., to discuss the moves.

Starting the 2023-24 school year, Reo Elementary students will move to Attwood Elementary, and Kendon Elementary students will transition to North Elementary. Those moves are permanent.

District officials did not say in a release announcing the decision why those buildings were chosen for the mergers, nor did they say how many students will be affected.

In addition, a millage proposal approved by voters May will allow construction of a new Willow Elementary School, Willow students will move to Riddle Elementary while the plans and construction begin for a new building.

"As we continue to evaluate our district and place student achievement at the center of all our decisions, we know that effectively using space is of great importance," said Superintendent Benjamin Shuldiner. "Having all schools in which our students attend be renovated or new, air-conditioned, safe and secure is paramount. With these mergers, we will continue on that path.

"Additionally, by merging schools, we will be able to provide more services to each student. With larger student bodies, schools can get full-time, rather than itinerant, specials teachers, like art or physical education. Increased staff and support will also come through economies of scale," he said.

Board President Gabrielle Lawrence said Reo and Kendon schools will continue to be used in other capacities.

"By partnering with Head Start and other community partners, Reo and Kendon will continue to be vibrant buildings in the community," she said.

Associate Director and Director of Early Childhood Programs for Capital Area Community Services, Nolana Nobles, said CACS looks forward to working with the district.

“We look forward to the opportunity to expand our partnership with the Lansing School District, as we share a vision for quality education for all children," she said.

The Lansing School District is the largest public school district in the Mid-Michigan region.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Lansing schools closing schools moving students, construction a factor