Benton High School in St. Joseph could permanently close as early as the 2026–2027 school year under a plan favored by the St. Joseph School District Board of Education.
Board members said at a meeting Tuesday night that the closure offers the best path forward to stabilize district finances and recover from steep enrollment declines. Although the board has not yet voted on the measure, a majority indicated support for what’s known as “Plan 2,” which would shutter Benton High School.
The discussion marks a reversal from just last month, when the board voted unanimously to keep all three of the district’s high schools open after hearing from hundreds of community members. But amid ongoing concerns over the district’s strained budget, members reconsidered that decision during a November 10 meeting.
Board Member Tom Richmond said Plan 2 provides the greatest financial savings with fewer logistical challenges than other proposals.
“Plan 2 has significantly greater savings than the other plans,” Richmond said. “There are some complications with Plan 7 that are not very palatable to me — bringing back Lake, the moving of Early Learning Centers. It moves more pieces, and I’m trying to move less pieces.”
Plan 7, the other leading option, would close Lafayette High School instead.
The board is scheduled to meet again on Nov. 17 to review more detailed recommendations, including potential closures of elementary and middle schools. A final vote on the restructuring plan is set for Nov. 24.
