Sault Area Schools to move forward with building consolidations

SAULT STE. MARIE — Sault Area Schools is moving ahead with a consolidation plan that will close both elementary schools next year and move students into the middle and high schools.

The board of education voted unanimously during their meeting on March 19 to consolidate the school buildings.

“We understand that this news may be emotional, our team is committed to supporting staff, parents and students throughout this transition,” said Superintendent Amy Kronemeyer.

Beginning in the fall of 2025, Washington and Lincoln elementary schools will close and the current middle school will become Sault Area Elementary School. This building will house all students in grades K-5.

Middle school students in grades 6-8 will move into the current high school building.

Malcolm Alternative School and the district's online alternative program, Virtual Blue, will support grades 7-12. The Malcolm campus will also house the Sault Alternative Innovative Learner program from the middle school.

The school district has been working on this consolidation plan alongside a community coalition that includes staff, parents, community members, business owners and nonprofit partners. The plan is an alternative to the failed proposal to build a new elementary school, which voters declined to support in the November election.

The existing elementary schools were built in the 1970s and have aging infrastructure. District officials said both schools would need to be renovated soon in order to stay open, which is estimated to cost tens of millions of dollars.

The district is also dealing with increased costs to teach each student and a declining birth rate in the area, which means smaller enrollment and less per-pupil state funding. By bringing a majority of the district's students onto one campus, officials said they will save costs in utility, maintenance and transportation.

— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com