District Decides To Close 3 South Twin Cities Metro Schools

BURNSVILLE, MN — Three schools will close in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 due to financial shortfalls and declining enrollment. The school board Thursday night voted to shut down Burnsville's Sioux Trail Elementary and Metcalf Middle School, as well as Savage's Marion Savage Elementary.

"I love the teachers at both of the schools and I’m heartbroken because I know how great they are and I know they are making an impact on the kids that they teach," Jessica McMahon, parent in District 191, told FOX 9.

The recommendation to close the schoosl was given by a third-party consultant who conducted a study on the district. The schools are now slated to close at the end of the year.

"Realigning our facilities to match our enrollment is an important part of our plan to better serve our students and put the district on more solid financial ground," Superintendent Dr. Theresa Battle said in a statement last month, announcing the proposal to close the schools.

"While I believe closing schools is necessary, I know that families affected by this recommendation will feel many emotions. Schools are not just bricks and mortar. There are memories and emotions and entire childhoods connected to our schools."

School stats

• Marion W. Savage is the district's oldest elementary school (built in 1950) and has the third-smallest enrollment
• Sioux Trail is the third oldest elementary school (built in 1964) and has the second-lowest enrollment
• Metcalf Middle School is the oldest middle school (built in 1966) and has the lowest enrollment (600 students)

"There will be feelings of loss that come with these changes," Battle added

"At the same time, I want our community to know that many things will stay the same next year. Students will have teachers and staff who care for them. They will have playgrounds, books, and opportunities to learn, lead and serve."