The Geary USD 475 Board of Education will conduct a public hearing on the possible closure of Custer Hill Elementary School at Fort Riley. The hearing will begin at 4:30 p.m. April 21 at Custer Hill Elementary.

A feasibility study has been done, and Superintendent Ron Walker is recommending that the school be closed at the end of the current school year. Cost of maintaining and upgrading the facility, anticipated population decrease, and available placement for the school’s staff at other buildings in the district have been mentioned as factors involved in the recommendation.

One member of the school board Brian Field has expressed a desire to see more information on the cost of repairs, including written estimates on what what it will take to replace a system. “This is a huge decision. I want to see the other side.” Field added he felt like the Board was not getting anything on the other side, and added if they go the other way what are the costs?

Field also expressed concern about this issue only being brought to the Board in February, with the Board then being asked to close the school in 60 t 90 days.

While she does not want to see the building closed, Custer Hill Elementary School principal Melanie Laster told the Board unless they had the money to fix the school, keep it safe and secure, she did not think there was any other other option at this point.

The board cannot make a decision on whether or not to close the school before holding a public hearing.