The Indiana Area School Board hosted a public hearing concerning the future of the Horace Mann Elementary School.
The Act 780 hearing is a requirement from the PA School Code, as one of the options for Horace Mann Elementary School is the potential closure. But Superintendent Robert Heinrich said that the district is considering other options.
Heinrich added that they could also hold on to the building for future use in certain situations.
Eric Barker was one of many in attendance who spoke during the hearing, and mentioned that the county’s comprehensive plan opposes the closure of any walkable community school, and it could carry some consequences.
Borough Councilman Peter Broad also said that the borough’s comprehensive plan includes a preference for walkable schools and that council was not interested in having an abandoned building. While the walkable neighborhood school is still important, he said they also understand the financial ramifications.
The district will now enter a 90-day cooling off period before any decision is made by the board. During that time, Heinrich recommends that anyone who would like to submit comment can do so on the district website, www.iasd.cc. He said that this is where the real work begins as the committees will take a deep dive to find the best option. He also encourages the public to continue to attend school board meetings and committee meetings over the next few months.
You can watch the hearing by clicking play in the viewer below.
