Board member opposes closing Madison, McKinney over $380,000 shortfall

An unidentified school board member said during a meeting that the board is not in a position — and may not be allowed — to close schools, and argued the proposal to shutter Madison and McKinney is not justified by the district's reported shortfall.

"Based on all this, I don't believe that we are in the position or even allowed to close schools," the speaker said. "I don't think closing Madison or McKinney with only a 380 k deficit is necessary or equitable."

The speaker framed the issue as one of equity and community preference, saying residents want "small neighborhood schools with wrap around whole child supports." They urged the board to consider alternatives to closures, saying investments in inclusive practices yield better results for students.

"When I see when we make that investment in those schools and they are inclusive with universal design for learning so every learner gets what they need and disability access and language access supports, we get incredible outcomes," the speaker added.

The provided transcript does not record a motion or vote on school closures or related budget measures. No speakers by name are identified in the supplied excerpt; the remarks above are attributed to the transcript's single identified turn, labeled here as "Unidentified Speaker."