SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – For years the two Southfield high schools have been rivals: the Southfield High School Blue Jays vs. the Southfield Lathrup High School Chargers.
Now, the future of that rivalry is in question because of a proposal to combine both schools in 2016.
Superintendent Dr. Lynda Wood says a lot of what's proposed has to do with making sure the district remains financially sound.
"What needs to be done to ensure the financial stability that we need for the next several years so that we can maintain the quality of education that we have here in Southfield Public Schools," she said.
The proposal includes more than just combining the two comprehensive high schools. There would be changes to elementary and middle schools, too.
Dr. Wood says declining enrollment rates and state funding cuts is what prompted the consideration of this proposal. But she stresses nothing is set in stone just yet.
"At this point nothing is in place to move forward for the 15-16 school year," she said.
Wood says they'll also be talking about how to bring back residents who have taken their children out of the school district. However, some parents are already concerned about what the proposed changes would mean.
"It's too much variety of ages and classrooms, and they're cramming too many different schools into one," said Regina Horton, a parent in the district.
A meeting is scheduled for Thursday night.