Ainsworth Elementary; photo courtesy of the Highland School District

Since November, the February 13th meeting of the Highland School Board has been earmarked as an important occasion. It was in November that the school board began officially exploring the possibility of closing Ainsworth Elementary, and at this Monday’s meeting the board will make their final decision. For the last several months, the Highland administrators have been compiling information and input on the financial and educational repercussions of closing the building, as well as exploring other possible solutions that wouldn’t involve its closure.

In addition to Ainsworth Elementary, the school board is also expected to make a decision on the direction they plan on going as far as their search for a new superintendent. Current Superintendent Chris Armstrong announced he will be taking an early retirement. Armstrong expects the board to seek a sharing arrangement with another school, as the district continues to look for cost saving methods. The Highland School Board meeting is open to the public and will begin at 6 p.m. Monday in the boardroom at Highland High School.