Group continues fight for school

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The group Save Elmhurst gathered outside the Grile Administrative Center on Monday night to get the attention of Fort Wayne Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Wendy Robinson and the school board. FWCS is planning to close Elmhurst High School as part of its plan to slash $15 million from its budget. The Save Elmhurst people said they have ideas that would keep that from happening.

About 10 members from Save Elmhurst congregated outside the building and spoke to the media about their proposal to Dr. Robinson and the board.

"Make an appeal basically to Dr. Robinson and the school board to meet with us so that we can actually talk, partner together, brainstorm, and show them some of the proposals that we've been given," said Angie Hayden Sutton, Save Elmhurst organizer.

Tyler Junk is a senior at Elmhurst High School. He's hoping the Dr. Robinson and the board will listen, and agree to save his school.

"I think the family aspect of it all, how close knit we are, we spread it all across Fort Wayne, and it's that school that brings us all together," said Tyler Junk, Elmhurst Senior.

Save Elmhurst believes FWCS should be open to a fundraiser, and the consolidation of elementary and high schools. Members of the group feel school officials have not given them a chance to present their proposals.

"We're not the enemy we want to work with them, we want to help, we want to partner together, and come up with a solution that will satisfy everyone," said Sutton.

FWCS Spokesperson Krista Stockman and Board President Mark GiaQuinta both said they have not been contacted about a meeting. GiaQuinta said he would have to speak with the other board members before agreeing to a meeting with Save Elmhurst.

There are two more public work sessions scheduled for this week. On Tuesday night there will be a meeting at Pleasant Center Elementary at 6pm. The other session is scheduled for Thursday at 6pm at the Grile Administrative Center.