Cedar Canyon changes are final, parents voice displeasure

A group of unhappy Cedar Canyon elementary school parents were told Monday night changes proposed for the school next fall in a KNEB news report are final. The parents came to express their displeasure with plans to move fifth and sixth graders to Lincoln elementary school next fall and to have Cedar Canyon share a principal with one of the Gering school district's three other elementary schools.

Crystal Newton, Trish Henderson and Katherine Larson told the board there was no input or communication when the changes were being considered, no one was told when a decision was made, and little respect or consideration was given to the parents and students.

Newton said her 5th grader will make the adjustment, but right now the students feel as if "they are being punished". Newton said "sorry doesn't cut it". The women said the changes will likely force some parents to transfer their children into the in-town schools, especially if they have more than one in elementary school.

Board Chair Alan Doll said there was a "colossal failure in communication" , adding "some of us thought communication had taken place". Doll says the decision was an administrative one and new Superintendent Bob Hastings had also signed off on it.

Current Superintendent Don Hague repeated the moves were being made to save money and better utilize empty space at Lincoln. Hague says with a tight budget next year, the district will shuffle staff where possible to save money, although he said there will be no reduction in force.

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