The state Distressed Unit Appeal Board gave its approval Thursday and Raisor approved it Monday at a brief meeting. The budget is about $3.5 million less than originally advertised because some account transfers weren’t included. Local attorney Tracy Coleman was the lone member of the public to speak Monday at the meeting held in the administration center inside the West Side Leadership Academy.
Coleman said a previous emergency manager established the two grade 6-8 middle schools and now Raisor is considering closing them for financial and academic reasons. “That’s the model you say is now unsustainable,” said Coleman. “Ask the state to not pay back common school loans. Now, our community has to spend more money to change that configuration based on a decision beyond our control.” Raisor did not respond.