Ainsworth Elementary; photo courtesy of the Highland School District

At their most recent meeting, the Highland School Board held further discussion regarding the potential closure of Ainsworth Elementary. With the aid of surveys sent out to the community, as well as conversations between parents and administration, the board has more information to work with before making a final decision at the February 13th meeting. Superintendent Chris Armstrong said since 2010 the Highland School District has seen a steady decline in enrollment at the elementary schools, going from a combined 328 students to 260. With those numbers in mind, Armstrong said the Riverside Elementary School is capable of fitting all the elementary students, increasing the likelihood the Ainsworth building will be closed.

Armstrong lamented the possible fate of the school, as it’s something he never envisioned when he was hired as superintendent 10 years ago. He said, “It’s a difficult situation. I feel horribly that it’s something that we have to talk about, that we have to even consider. It is never a pleasant thing to have to make a decision in regards to closing a building. I feel very badly for the community of Ainsworth. But again, we have to look at the total health of the district and what makes sense all the way around.” Armstrong still holds out hope that the growth of Iowa City will find its way south, and in five years they may have different conversations about how much the district has grown.