Students at Frontier High School in Elizabeth were informed that the school will likely be closing after the end of this school year. The announcement was made during school Feb. 19, and the 32 …
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Students at Frontier High School in Elizabeth were informed that the school will likely be closing after the end of this school year.
The announcement was made during school Feb. 19, and the 32 students who attend the alternative high school were shocked, and quickly took to social media to try to save their school. Less than two hours after starting a change.org petition, more than 265 signatures had been gathered. As of Feb. 21, the petition had 1,507 signatures.
“Basically, this morning all the teachers called us into a meeting and said they're going to shut the school down,” said Destiny Goodes, a junior at Frontier High. “I myself was an entire year behind in classes when I went to Elizabeth High. This school is incredible and since I came here I'm doing well in all my classes and actually on track to graduate early. If they close this school I'll have to transfer to another school where I know I won't succeed.”
Robert McMullen, principal at Frontier High, confirmed that he and his staff were informed of the pending closure the night before they notified students.
“The staff just heard last night. The essence of it is at the board meeting next Monday there will be a recommendation to close Frontier after this school year,” said McMullen. “Every year there is discussion about the numbers at Frontier, because we have such a small population. This hits home for many of the students, because Frontier is their home.”
The school board meeting on March 9 will include a public comment period, and Goodes and other students are rallying friends, family and community members to show up at the meeting and fight for their school.
“Not only are we going to lose our school, but we're also going to lose our amazing teachers, our awesome principal and they're all going to lose their jobs,” said Goodes.
The March 9 meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at 634 S. Elbert Street.
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