Manchester residents request meeting with school district regarding future of school

School district is considering closure of school

(MANCHESTER, Ind.) – A group of Manchester parents and residents held a community meeting to discuss the future of the elementary school on Wednesday night.

The community meeting comes at a time when South Dearborn Community Schools is considering the closure of Manchester Elementary. 

The school district held a public meeting last week where costly building upgrades and declining enrollment were listed as factors as to why the school closure is being considered.

However, no official decision has been made by the school corporation. 

The community members are now asking the corporation for another meeting.  

“We are making this request because we feel that we were completely unprepared for public comment at last week’s meeting (April 2, 2025), in which the citizens were advised for the very first time, that the school board was considering a vote on closure of our school for the 2025-2026 school year,” read a letter to the school superintendent. 

Community members say the Indiana School Board Association permits them to request the public work session meeting.

“The community surrounding Manchester Elementary School wishes to work peacefully and collaboratively with each of you on solutions to address the school’s challenges,” the memo stated.