Local

School board reaches surprising decision about school closings

MOON, Pa. — A controversial plan to save money in a local school district has taken another turn as the school board made a surprising decision early Thursday morning.

Around 1 a.m. Thursday, Moon’s school board voted to close Hyde Elementary instead of Brooks Elementary by a count of 7-2.

The decision came after a long meeting Wednesday night where several people spoke out about possibly closing Brooks Elementary.

Some people familiar with the situation told Channel 11's Brandon Hudson it was a surprising move.

“While it was not the initial proposal that was on the table, it certainly had been under discussion for a long period,” Moon Area Schools Superintendent Curt Baker said.

Baker said he hopes the district, staff and parents will rally around the decision and move forward.

“Anytime you have a significant decision like this one, there is an enormous amount or emotion,” Baker said.

He said school will remain in session at Hyde Elementary for one more academic year.

“This board has really gone above and beyond to be transparent,” Baker said.

Officials said the changes will still need to be approved by the state’s Department of Education.