Elementary Transition: West Vigo and Deming Elementary Schools

Frequently asked questions about elementary school reorganization:

Why are we reducing the number of elementary schools in Vigo County?

Vigo County is has experienced a population decline since the 1970s. In the 2020-21 school year, Vigo County had 18 elementary schools. Peer corporations by student enrollment have 11-12. A demographic study predicts that student enrollment will decline an additional 1,000 students between Fall 2019 and Fall 2031 due to birthrates and low in-migration.

Why West Vigo Elementary and Deming Elementary Schools?

A committee was formed in July 2020 to reorganize elementary schools. In February 2020, the school board approved the strategic plan, which calls for reducing our elementary schools from 18 to 16 at the close of the 2020-21 school year, and reducing our elementary schools from 16 to 15 at the close of the 2021-22 school year.

The committee, which included parent, community, teacher, administrative, and staff representatives, identified West Vigo Elementary and Deming Elementary based on age of building, low current and future enrollment, and the ease for families to consolidate into existing schools. West Vigo and Deming are the district’s second and third smallest schools by student enrollment.

What will happen with the buildings?

Deming Elementary School will become a robust early learning center, providing high-quality early childhood education including Pre-K and transitional Kindergarten classes. The Wabash Valley has a deficit of high-quality childcare opportunities.

West Vigo Elementary School will be the new home of the administration building and will continue to house Covered Bridge Special Education District academic programming.

Will class sizes increase?

We do not anticipate average class sizes increasing as a result of this reorganization. Ouabache, Benjamin Franklin, Fayette, and Sugar Creek Consolidated Elementary Schools are outstanding schools with caring staff members. Many staff members from West Vigo and Deming Elementary Schools will be placed at Ouabache, Benjamin Franklin, Fayette, and Sugar Creek Consolidated.

When was this discussed?

The strategic plan was finalized in February 2020, and it called for elementary school reorganization by the end of the 2020-21 school year, and again at the end of the 2021-22 school year.

The elementary reorganization committee submitted their recommendation, after months of work, in December 2020.

After the committee’s recommendation, the administration held three community meetings in virtual and in-person formats in January 2021. The board accepted the committee’s recommendation on January 25, 2021.