Members of the Normandy School District who attended a school board meeting in October voted to close Bel-Nor Elementary School. Along with this decision, they also voted to stop sending funds to FHSD for the transfer program for a short period of time.

“One of the reasons they voted not to pay it was because, as our school board president said, we had just announced the layoffs of 103 people, the closure of one school, and it was just an emotional night for everyone,” Daphne Dorsey, Public Relations for Normandy, said. “The conscience could not see approving the payment of the money for the tuition bill.”

However, at the next board meeting, Normandy decided to continue sending funds to FHSD. Since Normandy lost its accreditation this past January, the District has been making changes, including the closing of Bel-Nor. By implementing the closing, the district hopes to save around $3.5 million this year and $7 million for the next school year.

Bel-Nor was chosen by the board to be closed since it was the oldest building in the district and needed many improvements. The students that attend Bel-Nor will be dispersed to other schools in the district.

“I know their goal is to make sure their district progresses and provides as good of an education as they possibly can to their kids,” FHN Head Principal Andy Downs said.

Normandy plans to layoff 103 employees. This will take place on Dec. 20.

“I think we have been handling this situation very well in light of the fact that we were mandated by the state to allow our students to transfer out to other school districts and the fact that we’re paying or rather that we’re obligated to make those tuition payments,” Dorsey said.