Pond, Southwood Early Childhood Centers in Bloomington will close

Some Bloomington Public Schools students will learn in different buildings next school year as part of ongoing budget concerns.

Bloomington School Board members voted unanimously Monday to close the buildings that house Pond and Southwood Early Childhood Centers on Monday. These programs will be incorporated into Washburn Elementary School.

A letter sent to Bloomington families says about 300 students currently attending Washburn Elementary will join Normandale Hills, Poplar Bridge and Valey View elementary schools.

Some parents expressed concerns and called on the board to intervene, but district officials said the consolidation plan made sense because of lower enrollment, loss of pandemic funds and the potential costs of renovating old buildings.

CLICK HERE for more information about the board’s budget plan.