School Closing

A Barry County elementary school is closing despite strong opposition from parents. The Hastings School Board voted six-to-one Monday night to close Pleasantview Elementary and transfer the students to Southeastern Elementary when fall classes begin. Board members say the move will save 330-thousand dollars in a 700-thousand dollar budget shortfall. Some parents are concerned about the long bus ride the change will mean for some students. Opponents say the move will cost more in lost per-pupil funding because of the number of parents who plan to transfer their kids out of the district.