CLAWSON, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Clawson School District held a workshop Monday night to discuss the future of the district. They say student enrollment has dropped over the years and they’ve got some big decisions to make to save the district's future.
The school board is looking at how they can save the district. There are several options on the table and some include right sizing the district and merging with another district, and even shutting some schools down. However, at the end of the day the board says they have to put the students first.
"Whatever is best for the kids and whatever can save us," said Jenny Smolinski whose two children are at Kenwood Elementary School.
The Clawson Public School Board held a workshop Monday night to discuss the future of the district.
"We just love the community (and) the schools," Smolinski said. "We love being so close to our school, so it would be heartbreaking if it closed."
The school board says the district has seen a decline in enrollment for the last several years. There are ideas on the table including closing schools but nothing set in stone.
"When that school shut down, those neighborhoods kinda followed the school," sais Clawson parent Erich Wasner. "If they go into receivership abandoned buildings don’t do anything for a neighborhood."
One idea is merging with either Troy or Royal Oak. Some parents say it sounds like a no-brainer.
"If we’re down to 1,200 students surrounded by these other districts, is the state even going to think that we’re worth the time," Wasner said. "That’s what terrifies me if there’s not a viable annexation plan."
Others say they think something else can be done and there are some difficult decisions that need to be made.
"I think people are ready to take action," Smolinski said. "I don’t think anyone wants to see the district close or anything like that."
A final decision will be made in the coming months.
