TAYLOR, Mich. – Significant changes and consolidations are coming to the Taylor School District.
On Wednesday, Jan. 10, the school board voted 6-1 to approve the plan that will ultimately close two district buildings and consolidate several schools in the process.
Superintendent Michael Wegher said the district is doing what it needs to save money as it faces a $4-5 million budget deficit starting in July 2025.
He said the deficit is in part due to COVID relief funds drying up.
“I know it’s not the way we want to do things, people don’t want change, but it’s also our duty to make sure we are providing what’s best for students and that we’re making sure the school district is stable going forward,” said Wegher.
The approved plan was tweaked over the last few days to accommodate concerns brought up by staff members and the public during a meeting Monday night.
During year one of the plan, starting in 2025, the following changes will be made:
- Eureka Heights Elementary School will close, and its students will be sent to McDowell and Holland Elementary Schools
During year two of the plan, starting in 2026, the following changes will be made:
- Hoover Middle School and West Middle School will consolidate using the West campus and be renamed Taylor Middle School.
- Clarence Randall Elementary School will move to the old Hoover Middle School Building, keeping the Randall name.
- The former Eureka Elementary School building will become the early childhood center.
- Taylor Parks Elementary School will close, sending its students to the new Randall Elementary School and Blair Moody Elementary School.
Demolitions will also take place in year two of the plan, including the following:
- Taylor Parks Elementary School.
- The former Clarence Randall Elementary School building.
The few parents attending the meeting understood the changes being made, saying they were glad the district and board allowed them to be part of the input process.
“We feel heard, and it feels like they’re trying to do the right thing for the kids,” said Jennifer, a parent with kids in the district.
In addition to closing two buildings, the district plans to save money by eliminating jobs.
Wegher said the district has no plans for layoffs but instead plans to eliminate jobs by not filling future positions that open due to retirements.