Pontiac schools chief defends closures, restructuring plan after backlash

Pontiac School District Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Leverette defended a restructuring plan that will close Owen Elementary and Kennedy, moving their students and staff to other district schools, and shift all fifth graders to Pontiac Middle School to focus on STEAM subjects. The changes, prompted by declining enrollment and rising building costs, sparked backlash from some parents and teachers who felt blindsided or sought more discussion. Dr. Leverette emphasized that the plan aligns with the district’s strategic goals and promised more accessible communication and feedback opportunities, including surveys and town halls, to evaluate the impact of the changes next school year. Data collected from these sessions will be reviewed and presented in the fall.