(Image provided by the Oshkosh Area School District)
The Oshkosh school board could decide the fate of Smith Elementary tonight.
The building needs $3.4 million in roof repairs, mold remediation, and other deferred maintenance to stay open.
Tricia Castle of the group Oshkosh 4 Education believes the district has other places it can use that money more effectively. She says money spent on a roof that houses a nearly 100-year-old building doesn’t make sense for the tax payers.
If Smith is closed its kids would likely go to Jefferson Elementary. Former Smith teacher Carol Schenke doubts that school can handle the additional students. She says the neighborhood needs a little extra help, and if they add an extra 80-to-90 kids, it might be difficult.
Smith Elementary is 124 years old.
