Public Hearing Regarding the Potential Closure of Perry Elementary School
Apr 7, 2026
The lede
- Public hearing held on potential closure of Perry Elementary School, a 127-year-old neighborhood school with approximately 175 students, requiring an estimated $6.8–14 million in repairs and upgrades.
- Overwhelming community opposition: over 30 speakers—including students, parents, teachers, and community members—passionately defended Perry, citing small class sizes, strong relationships, walkability, and academic success.
- Key criticisms raised: alleged pattern of neglect since 2013, broken promises from a 2024 vote to keep Perry open, questionable survey methodology (only 400 respondents from 44,000 district population), and concerns that closure is tied to funding a new early childhood center.
- No formal votes taken at this hearing; final decision scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026 board meeting.
Attendance & housekeeping
Members present: Barbi Yunk, Jermaine Pigee, Scott Mueller, Holly Houk, Jorge Herrera (President), Jeff Diestelmeier, Brian Hoemke
Others present: Dr. Shaw (Superintendent), approximately 30+ community members who provided public comment
Meeting called to order at 5:30 PM with Pledge of Allegiance. Spanish translation services offered (none requested). President Herrera reminded attendees of meeting norms and board protocol. Meeting adjourned at 7:26 PM.
Decisions & votes
No content.
Discussion items (no vote)
Presentation on Perry Elementary closure consideration (Dr. Shaw):
- Perry built 1897 (additions 1954), current enrollment ~175 students
- Phase one improvements approved September 2024: $6.8M for secure entry, ADA compliance, access control, roof restoration
- Potential phase two: additional $7–9M for LED lighting, sprinkler system, HVAC modernization
- Total replacement value: $17.5–18.5M
- Board reconsidering closure due to: total investment costs, declining enrollment projections, capacity at other elementary schools, stakeholder feedback
- Design scheduled for July 2026; board considering closure before committing to significant investment
- FAQ available on district website with ongoing updates
Public comment
Over 30 speakers addressed the board, including:
Students (Ryder, Jace, Alana, Emma Ensley, Diana Gillian, others): Expressed love for their school, teachers, and friends; fear of losing their “family”; appreciation for small class sizes and individual attention.
Parents (Andrew Kitson, Zachary Fort, Rory Peterson, Megan Speak, Brandon Fitchy, Melissa Williams, Catherine Ensley, Hannah Kael, Teresa Beanik, Monica Bonsteel, others):
- Challenged survey credibility (only 400 respondents, 66% allegedly non-parents, conducted by Optimasters who said they “can make results whatever you want”)
- Questioned why $500,000+ from city land-cash collections earmarked for Perry roof never used
- Argued renovation more cost-effective than building new early childhood center
- Cited pattern of deliberate enrollment reduction and maintenance neglect since 2013
- Noted Perry never received “targeted status” designation—one of only three district schools with this achievement record
- Emphasized walkability, neighborhood stability, parent engagement, property values
- Requested exploration of administrative cost reductions, operational efficiencies, transportation optimization before closing schools
Teachers/Staff (Cynthia Anderson, Wendy Kitson, Megan Hirsch, Mike Speak, Ryan Peterson, Susan Thomas, Jen Little, Candy Manaliam, Joan Cameron):
- Described unique family atmosphere where all staff know every student by name
- Highlighted benefits of small class sizes (research-backed, per Tennessee STAR study)
- Detailed post-COVID support that kept students engaged and safe
- Expressed concern about broken 2024 promise to invest in Perry
- Documented timeline of deliberate staffing reductions and denied student transfers since 2022
- Questioned rapid 2-month closure process vs. 2-year deliberation in 2024
- Special education teachers emphasized individualized support possible in small setting, warned of increased transportation costs for students with IEPs
Community members (Dan Snow, Julie Scheffler, Veronica Jonas, others):
- Challenged “equity” argument—Perry students thriving, not lacking
- Noted Perry’s annual electricity cost ($18K) vs. newer schools ($91K–$170K+)
- Argued closing Perry would harm property values, neighborhood stability
- Compared decision to their own multi-generational district investment
Key recurring themes:
- Alleged administrative bloat (17 to 32 admin positions, 73% payroll increase 2022–2025)
- $5.4M to Nexus Solutions consultant questioned
- Boundary maps already redrawn despite no decision
- Principal vacancy left unfilled since November 2025 (vs. immediate replacement at other schools)
- Survey listed Seth Whitman as option but school reportedly full
- Concern this sets precedent for future closures
Notable moments
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Multiple young children gave emotional testimony, including second-grader who couldn’t finish and whose mother completed statement: “She doesn’t want you to close her school.”
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Teacher Wendy Kitson invited board members to stand at Perry doors at 7:30 AM to witness morning greeting rituals and after-school playground basketball games with teachers.
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Parent Hannah Kael disclosed traumatic kindergarten experience with former teacher Mrs. Green (now at Lincoln) who allegedly isolated her son and recommended medication at age 5, contrasting with subsequent teachers who helped him thrive.
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Zachary Fort challenged specific cost assumptions, arguing Perry’s ADA grandfathered status saves money, questioning need for drop-off lane (“When was anyone hit by a car in Perry’s playground?”), noting Perry has functioned without kitchen for 127 years.
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Former student Madison Quainter (BHS graduate, 4.0 GPA) testified Perry built her academic foundation, requested if closure proceeds, board include plaque reading “Rest in Peace, Perry Elementary.”
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Multiple speakers noted they overcame fear of public speaking because “I have to teach my kids to stand up for what’s right.”
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Teacher Susan Thomas provided detailed timeline documenting systematic enrollment reduction since 2013 Kishwaukee closure, forced teacher transfers, denied student registrations despite available space.
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Ryan Peterson questioned why Perry maintenance budget decreased $10,000 each of last two years and where $500,000+ city allocation went.
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Rory Peterson noted vote timing: “No debate concerning Perry’s fate by any candidates prior to recent 2025 board elections, so voters were deprived of their voice.”
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Applause and cheering followed nearly every speaker; multiple standing ovations.
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Board members remained silent throughout; no questions asked during 2-hour public comment period.
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Multiple references to Board Member Holly Houk’s presence during 2013 Kishwaukee closure: “Holly, we know,” prompting visible reaction.