One week after the Cassia County School Board voted to close Almo Elementary School, the community has rallied to keep it open.
When the board voted to close the school last Thursday, it gave Almo residents until this Friday to raise $21,000.
The community exceeded that goal, thanks to a GoFundMe campaign and private donations. A mother delivered the money to the district on Thursday.
This means Casisa County Superintendent James Shank will not send a letter to the state saying the school has to close.
In an emailed statement to Boise State Public Radio, Shank said, “Almo is in a position to remain open for the coming year.” He also said the school’s long-term future will be re-evaluated at the end of next school year.
Janis Durfee, a grandmother of students at Almo Elementary, says the outpouring of community support in the past week has been inspiring.
“People have sacrificed because they have a connection to the school and it’s been huge. It’s just really humbling,” she says.
There are currently eight students enrolled to attend Almo Elementary School next year.
Find reporter Rachel Cohen on Twitter @racheld_cohen
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