Community Sounds Off on Possible Pelkie Closing

The Pelkie School may be seeing its final days but the public is determined to try and stop the closure. Three public forums were held this week, including one last night at the school. Baraga Area Schools Superintendent Jennifer Lynn gave a brief presentation to begin the discussion, stating that the decline in enrollment and the district’s budget issues led the board to strongly consider closing Pelkie for good. School of choice and declining birth rates were also stated as reasons for the closing. Lynn also talked about what might be done with the building itself.

But those who attended the meeting brought up their own concerns which included a possible decline in local property values, as well as extended bus routes to take the students to the main campus in Baraga. Lynn adds that the first thing they must analyze is the impact on the students.

Attendees were given an opportunity to fill out a survey after the meeting. Lynn says the feedback will be used to make the decision, which is expected to come in March.