HAMILTON – A Hamilton elementary school that has been open since 1889 is closing at the end of the school year due to budget cuts.
The Ravalli Republic reports the Hamilton school board voted 5-2 Tuesday to close the 124-year-old Grantsdale Elementary School and transfer its 86 students and staff to Daly Elementary.
Daly Elementary will be remodeled to accommodate the increased enrollment. Officials estimate the closure will save the district $108,000 a year as the district faces a $371,000 shortfall.
Students, parents and teachers made emotional pleas to the board to keep the school open.
Hamilton resident Brett Calder asked the board to delay its decision to see if the state Legislature might provide enough funding to save the school.
Stay Connected with the Daily Roundup.
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best of the Beacon delivered every day to your inbox.