Shawnee Elementary to close early

HURON — Huron Schools' youngest students will end the school year earlier than normal. Shawnee Elementary, which enrolls preschool students through second graders, will close on May 26 ahead of the building's upcoming sale. Superintendent James Tatman recently sent a letter to families of first- and second-grade students detailing upcoming news and events related to Shawnee's closure as the district moves to consolidate buildings beginning next school year. "This allows all of the Shawnee staff to support kindergarten screening and packing needs," he wrote. "Annually, we have kindergarten students end their school year early to allow staff the time needed to conduct screenings and class assignments for the fall. This year, because of the additional work relating to closing and moving, students in first and second grades will end the school year early." Preschool students' last day is May 25, and kindergarten students also finish the school year on May 26 with their graduation ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Huron Boat Basin, Tatman said. For 70 years, the Shawnee building has housed elementary students, specifically preschool through second-grade students in recent years. Previous action In March, Huron Schools board members unanimously approved a resolution to officially close Shawnee Elementary. A similar board decision was made in December to go from four campuses down to three after community members gave input at public meetings. Closing Shawnee Elementary is part of the district's consolidation plan to save on operating costs. By closing Shawnee, Huron Schools is expected to save more than $73,500 annually. Beginning the 2023-24 school year, preschool through fifth grades will be at the Woodlands Intermediate building; grades 6-8 will attend McCormick Jr. High; and grades 9-12 and the board office will be at Huron High School. The Shawnee building 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. In December, board members also voted 5-0 to change current Huron Schools leadership assignments. Next school year, these changes will occur: • Current Shawnee principal Brian Kucbel will lead Woodlands Intermediate. • Current Woodlands principal Mark Doughty will become McCormick Jr. High principal. • Current McCormick principal Chad Carter will assume new responsibilities as the district's full-time operations director, effective Aug. 1, 2023. His principal contract will end on July 31. The letter to families Read Tatman's recent message below: Dear first- and second-grade families, The district has been carefully planning the closing of Shawnee Elementary and the consolidation of buildings. As the work moved from planning to action, some unanticipated factors are becoming evident. The district has plans in motion for the sale of the Shawnee property through a public auction. This limits the time beyond the school year for moving out of the property. Additionally, early elementary grades generally have the most curriculum materials of all grade bands. Finally, end-of-year events like incoming kindergarten screening occur in the final days of the school year. Annually, we have kindergarten students end their school year early to allow staff the time needed to conduct screenings and class assignments for the fall. This year, because of the additional work relating to closing and moving, students in first and second grades will end the school year early. All Shawnee students' last day of school will be Friday, May 26. This allows all of the Shawnee staff to support kindergarten screening and packing needs. I wanted to notify you as soon as I made this decision to allow you time to adjust your summer childcare plans. Teachers and Mr. Kucbel will adjust end-of-year celebrations so those experiences continue for the students and families. I want to thank you for your understanding and flexibility in this change. Sincerely, James J. Tatman _ Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood