Budget cuts force early school closures in Oklahoma City

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma City School board will close seven schools next school year to save $1.9-million. <br><br>The board voted 5-to-2 over the objections of several parents to close five

Tuesday, April 1st 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma City School board will close seven schools next school year to save $1.9-million.

The board voted 5-to-2 over the objections of several parents to close five elementary schools, a middle school and an alternative school. Six of the schools are on a list to be closed within the next ten years as part of a voter approved school building plan.

District officials say the school has lost more than $20-million in state funding and expect another $10-million in reductions next school year.

Board Chairman Cliff Hudson says the vote means keeping as many teachers as possible instead of keeping buildings open.