The 2004 school closures were devastating for students, teachers, and families

In 2004, at 1:00 in the morning of March 25, the Missoula County Public Schools School Board voted to close 3 schools in the northeast corner of our city. The schools were Mount Jumbo in East Missoula, Rattlesnake Middle School, and Prescott School in the Rattlesnake Valley. 

Our hearts were broken into a million pieces. There is nothing like a school closure, especially multiple school closures, to wreak havoc among a city and a school system.  There is nothing like a school closure to cause deep grief among students and their families. At these times, tears and more tears are the answer to help deal with the tragedy. Time may lessen the pain felt by a school closure, however, for many it will never completely go away.

During the school year, after their homes, students spend most of their lives in a school building. Every school has it's problems, some bigger than others, however, students are for the most part attached to their schools and show allegiance to them, and develop close knit relationships.  Additionally, school spirit can be wonderful experience for children.

The students have forged bonds with teachers and the other students. Some of these bonds are tighter than others, nevertheless they are bonds. The friendships have been cultivated over months and years.  These bonds are also nurtured as many children live in the neighborhood and attend a neighborhood school. Teachers have come to know many of their students and care for them.  Teachers may have taught some of their student's siblings and in rare cases. their mothers or fathers.  This is how is should be, close and caring relationships nurture learning and add to a good education. 

To end the relationships between students, the school building, the teachers, and the entire staff of a school requires rigorous and thoughtful study in addition to caution. This was not done in the morning of March 25, 2004 at 1:00 in the morning. 

Many Missoula County Public School students and their families as well as several teachers are still suffering the consequences of the tragic decision of four Trustees. Rosemary Harrison, Chairwoman of the Board, Jenda Hemphill, David Merrill, and Naomi Kimbell. Other Trustees who voted to close the 3 schools when there was a second closure vote due to violations of open meetings laws were: Toni Rehbein, Scott Bixler, and Joe Toth.