Board Votes to Close Avondale East Elementary

The Board of Education tonight voted to close Avondale East Elementary School at the end of this school year. The vote was 6-0, with one board member abstaining. Avondale East students would attend Ross Elementary next school year. The vote came after a public hearing in which ten people spoke against closing the school. Concerns were voiced about some student having to cross Adams Street to get to Ross, parents without cars not being able to attend school events and fears that the school building would stand empty. Board members said they would work on solutions to the safety and transportation concerns. School officials are expected to begin talks with various groups and organizations that have indicated an interest in locating in Avondale East.