South Bend School Board votes to move forward with Focus 2018

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The South Bend School Board voted to move forward with the Focus 2018 plan Monday night.

The redistricting plan is made up of three major components. First, several schools will be closed or repurposed. Second, bell times will change. Third, 5th grade will now be part of the primary schools. For more information on all the changes, check out our coverage from the announcement of the proposal.

Parents packed the room to voice their opinions on the plan. Many advocated for Perley Primary's fine arts program.

Emotions at times were high, with board member Rudy Monterrosa proposing an amendment to delay the closure of Perley for one year.

The board voted against that amendment and passed the plan in full.

"I really appreciate the passion from the families, passion from the community, passion from the board members. I think this is best for students and it was one of the things I was charged with when I got here," says Dr. Kenny Spells, superintendent.

The plan is contingent on approval from the Department of Justice.