May 23, 2013
Dothan city school board members are discussing possible consolidation plans and how they will present their findings to the public after a special meeting.
During a heated debate last night, school board members expressed their opinions on a recent consolidation study by Superintendent Leon Hobbs that recommends closing two elementary schools, restructuring students in grades K through 12, and closing one of Dothan’s two high schools.
While it would save the district more than $700,000 each year several board members expressed concerns over things such as school tradition at both Northview and Dothan high schools, plus whether larger schools would interfere with students learning.
While there are three other consolidation proposals in the report, one board member says both she and the public need time to look at both the pros and cons of consolidation and how it will affect students.
The consolidation study will be put on the school district's website. The website address is www.dothan.k12.al.us.
Gayla White says she and other board members will be holding forums in their respective districts to hear parent's reactions before reaching any final decision.
