Huron to close Shawnee Elementary

HURON — Shawnee Elementary won't open next school year. At Tuesday's public meeting, Huron Schools board members voted 5-0 to close the school beginning the 2023-24 school year. It's part of the district's consolidation plan to save on operating costs. By closing Shawnee, Huron Schools will save more than $73,500 annually. Shawnee, which houses preschool through second-grade students, was constructed on Cleveland Road East in 1953 for elementary students, according to the Huron Historical Society. "A 14-room addition was added in 1964 funded by taxes from the DuPont plant located in the Huron Industrial Park on River Road," the organization's website states. Earlier this month, Huron Schools officials hosted two public meetings at Huron Public Library to discuss possible consolidation of district school buildings. "The desired outcome of this consolidation is to lower fixed costs now while the long-term solution is determined then implemented," superintendent James Tatman said. "The long-term project from start to use is multi-year, justifying this work for short-term gains on operational efficiencies." The two consolidation plans that were considered: Closing McCormick Junior High • Grades PK-3 would attend Shawnee Elementary building • Grades 4-8 would attend Woodlands Intermediate building • Grades 9-12 would attend Huron High School Projected savings: $71,000 Closing Shawnee Elementary • Grades PK-5 would be at the Woodlands Intermediate building • Grades 6-8 would be at McCormick Jr. High • Grades 9-12 and board office would be at Huron High School Projected savings: $73,550 "When considering long-term planning options of a single or dual campus design, McCormick and Shawnee are the two buildings least likely to be included in those plans," Tatman said. "While the long-term plan is not yet set, Huron High School and Woodlands have the greatest potential for renovation and addition if a new build is determined to not be the solution." "Existing facilities can support either of these (consolidation) arrangements based on current and projected student enrollment," Tatman continued. Features that were weighed when considering which school to close include McCormick's stage, gym and locker room space, both schools' proximity to other district buildings for busing, among others. This is a developing story. Check back for updates