The St. Joseph School District Board of Education voted Monday night to move forward with a districtwide consolidation plan while keeping all three of the city’s high schools open.
The decision comes after months of community debate and follows the discovery of a significant budget shortfall over the summer. Combined with years of declining enrollment, the financial strain prompted administrators to recommend major changes to the district’s structure beginning next school year.
Prior to the vote, district officials had proposed closing Lafayette High School to reduce operating costs. That plan drew strong opposition from parents, students, and alumni who filled the Central High School gymnasium Monday night to share emotional pleas during public comment. Many speakers argued that each high school holds deep community and historical value, and that closing one would divide the city.
After several hours of discussion and input from the public, the board voted to adopt an alternative known as “Plan E.” The plan was developed by district coach Jeff Leake (leek) and offers a compromise that maintains all three high schools while consolidating a number of lower-grade schools throughout the district.
Under the plan, administrative staff will collaborate with Leake to refine the proposal into a workable long-term blueprint that can guide the district toward financial stability. Board members said they hope the approach will balance fiscal responsibility with community identity.
The board expects to review a finalized version of the plan in November, with implementation anticipated to begin during the next school year.
