Battle Creek Public Schools is closing an elementary school as it faces declining enrollment and a predicted budget deficit.  The district's school board voted Monday to shutter Coburn Elementary. Superintendent Linda Hicks says the nonprofit Community Action has shown interest in renting the school to use for Head Start.  Board members opted to keep open LaMora Park Elementary, another school that Hicks had recommended closing. Without closing that school, Hicks says the district will have to consider cutting staff as it looks to save money.

The Battle Creek district anticipates losing 230 students next school year and having a budget shortfall of $2.4 million. According to district consultants, closing Coburn will save the district roughly $468,000.

-AP

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