Bemidji school board to move forward with closure of Central Elementary, Paul Bunyan Center, Community Education building

Feb 24, 20210

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Central Elementary School as seen from Beltrami Avenue on Feb. 23. The Bemidji Area School Board voted to proceed with plans to shutter Central Elementary, the Paul Bunyan Center and the Community Education building as a cost-saving measure for the district during a meeting Monday night. (Hannah Olson / Bemidji Pioneer)

BEMIDJI -- The Bemidji Area School's Board of Education has voted to proceed with plans to shutter Central Elementary, the Paul Bunyan Center and the Community Education building as a cost-saving measure for the district.

The tough decision was reached unanimously after deliberation by the board during its meeting on Monday.

The vote taken Monday evening was to confirm board support to explore the issue, which means the matter will remain on the agenda for the March 15 school board meeting, along with a final vote, to allow more time for public comment. The board needs to fill a projected $5.6 million budget deficit the district is facing following enrollment loss due to COVID-19 and November's failed operating referendum.

https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/education/6900286-Bemidji-school-board-to-move-forward-with-closure-of-Central-Elementary-Paul-Bunyan-Center-Community-Education-building