Tuesday was the last day of school for kids in Klamath Falls…and doors at one elementary school won’t be re-opening.
Fairview school won’t be opening in the fall.
Fourth-grader Ashton Blake thinks that’s sad…
“I really like this school. I thought the gym was cool, the classrooms, the cafeteria. I really love this school – I wish it was open for longer.”
Fairview school opened in 1920.
The City School Board voted in October to close the school due to a tight budget.
Kathy Ward will be retiring after 34 years of teaching…
“It hasn’t hit me yet. Maybe next Monday morning when I wake up, and realize I don’t have to go anywhere except in my yard, and do some yard work. I think it will be fun.”
Conway Lewis is one of the 330 Fairview students who will be heading to 5 other schools…
“Where are you heading to school next’ ‘Pelican.’ ‘Are you looking forward to going to the new school’ ‘Yeah.”
Principal Tony Swan hosted a sometimes emotional awards assembly this morning.
“Just knowing it’s the last time for Klamath Falls, that Fairview Elementary will be a part of that. Last time for these kids, and the families that have been a big part of Fairview.”
Kathy Ward adds: “I think this afternoon when all the kids leave and the teachers are together for the last time, I think it will be pretty hard.”
But, Fairview will also be leaving some fond memories for many…a school that just grew too old to keep.
The future of the Fairview School building is still uncertain.
Possible options have included using Fairview as a home for a charter school, or a community health center.
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