780 Hearing

The Board of Directors approved a motion to establish a 780 public hearing regarding the closure of the Johnstown Middle School effective the 2017-18 school year.  The approved motion is as follows:  “That the approval to proceed with a Section 780 hearing under the Public School Code, as amended, regarding contemplated closing of the Greater Johnstown Middle School Building and/or explore other options to include reconfiguration of schools within the Greater Johnstown School District, be granted and be it further resolved that the Board Secretary and Superintendent are directed to prepare and undertake the necessary steps to advertise for the required Section 780 hearing to be held.”  

To clarify, this approved motion at the February 7th Board Meeting did not close the middle school.  Instead, the approved action gave permission to establish a hearing to discuss the matter with all valued stakeholders in the community.  There are numerous perspectives, issues, and topics that must be taken into consideration before making any final determination.  That is exactly what this hearing does; it solicits input from all stakeholders and reviews all relevant data regarding the possible implications of the closure.  This is a very important decision that requires proper time and deliberation.  

The hearing will take place on March 2nd at 6pm in the cafeteria of the Johnstown Middle School.  During this hearing, we will discuss the close of the middle school as well as possible district redesign options.  District administration will work diligently to prepare a redesign that continues to place the best interest of students first as well as taking into consideration all variables that impact important decisions such as this.  Furthermore, at the conclusion of the hearing, no decision will be made that evening.  Districts are required to take 90 days “cooling off” period before voting to close, or not to close, the building.  Two more relative points to take into consideration are:  First, no school closing is a “done deal” until the Board goes through the proper procedural steps to close it and votes accordingly.  Second, public deliberation at the 780 Hearing, and after the “cooling off” period is important.  

See the attached documentation in this announcements regarding the 780 Hearing procedures and as always, feel free to call upon the district if you have any questions at 814-533-5670.