A proposal has been made for the high school portion of 21st Century Academy to move to space within Tyner Academy.
21st Century principal Fred Wunderlich said that way 21st Century students in 9-12 could stay together and continue with their service to learning approach.
Officials said the 21st Century program has been hampered by a lack of space at the current site in Brainerd, but there may be adequate space at Tyner.
There would be a savings of about $162,000 by a reduction of four teaching positions, officials said. But board member Rhonda Thurman said with expansion of the program it might turn out to be a wash or to even cost more.
County school administrator Sheila Young said 21st Century would have more students if it had a better facility.
Mr. Wunderlich said the school has a waiting list - especially at the lower grades. The school is K-12.
Board member Janice Boydston said it may be a better situation for the K-8 students if the 9-12 does move, giving them more space.
Everett Fairchild, another board member, said the board should not "jerk the rug out from under" students who have gone through the 21st Century program.
Board member Debbie Colburn called 21st Century "a hidden jewel that doesn't get the recognition it deserves."
21st Century is in its 12th year and is one of the oldest magnet schools in the county.
A number of 21st Century parents, students and staff attended the county school board budget session at Bonny Oaks.
Supt. Jesse Register said the idea may have merit, but he said there may not be time to implement it prior to the next school year.
21st Century 9-12 has 133 students.
Officials said closing the high school portion would result in a savings of seven teaching positions. But they said it would result in adding three teachers as the students transferred elsewhere.
Under that scenario, students would choose between Tyner, Brainerd or Howard.
Sheila Young and Fred Wunderlich
- Photo2 by John Wilson