A few community members voiced their opinions regarding the Claymont Board of Education’s announcement of wanting to close two buildings.
In mid-July, the district announced the consideration of shutting down the intermediate building in Dennison and the middle school in Uhrichsville. They would add on to the high school to house grades five through 12.
At Monday’s Board of Education meeting, John O’Hara spoke against the idea noting the size and durability of the two buildings. O’Hara said the district should instead consider closing the buildings on Eastport and Trenton.
“They’re small. They have approximately 29 classrooms occupation. The intermediate and Jr. High [middle] have gymnasiums, auditoriums for basketball, wrestling, volleyball. They can absorb the students from Trenton and Eastport.”
O’Hara gathered petition signatures from those against closing the intermediate and middle schools.
“Only need 200 signatures on the petition to put it back up to a vote. That’ll be a walk in the park for all the signatures I’ve got there, so it’s time to listen to the taxpayers. No closing of the last school in Dennison. No add on to schools for millions of dollars when you have good sound buildings.”
Voicing agreement with what the Claymont District wants to do was former board member Austin Beckley.
“I’m here to back the board for this. I think it’s time the district moves into a campus setting. This is the future.”
Superintendent Brian Rentsch previously said the addition at the high school would include around 20 classrooms, a gym, and other auxiliary spaces. He added that the district would not ask voters for a bond issue or property tax increase. Instead, the board would use permanent improvement funds to secure a loan.
Copyright WTUZ Radio Inc., 2025