West Vigo teachers push back on a plan detail that would move sixth graders into an "elementary" building

What happened

April Childress, a West Vigo Middle School science teacher of 21 years, told the county's Oversight Board she opposes a detail in the school corporation's newest facilities plans that would move West Vigo's sixth graders into a "consolidated" building — which she said lacks science labs, gym space, and sports facilities — and reclassify them as elementary students, cutting 45 minutes of school time a day. Jason Childress, a West Vigo sixth-grade teacher and coach, echoed the concern and separately said the school corporation has not shown him the detailed cost comparisons behind its claim that the new plan is cheaper than alternatives. The objection surfaces as the same oversight board reviewing the plan voted 5-0 three weeks later to recommend the overall project, known as "Option 6.2," to the county commissioners.

The outcome

No vote taken; presented as public comment. A board member said cost-comparison materials are posted on the board's website and offered to follow up individually.

Sources

• April Childress: opposes moving sixth graders to the consolidated building, 29:04
• 45 minutes of school time lost daily as "elementary students", 30:13
• Jason Childress: wants detailed cost comparisons shown publicly, 30:46
• Board response: cost materials posted online, offers to follow up, 32:35
• Oversight board votes 5-0 for "Option 6.2" three weeks later, 27:38

Also known as: West Vigo sixth grade · sixth graders consolidated building · West Vigo Middle School consolidation · Option 6.2 sixth grade concern · April Childress · Jason Childress