Picher-Cardin Schools Face Closure

Friday, May 5th 2006, 11:08 am

By: News On 6

PICHER, Okla. (AP) -- A plan for the federal government to buy out homes and businesses in the Tar Creek area of northeastern Oklahoma likely means the end of the Picher-Cardin School District.

Superintendent Bob Walker says he expects the district to be open next year because of the time needed to complete the buyout.

But the two towns will eventually be deserted or nearly so.

Still, there is no provision in state law for simply closing a school. State Superintendent Sandy Garrett says districts must be annexed into or consolidated with another district.

State and federal officials have announced an up to $20-million plan to buy out the towns in the area where the soil is contaminated from years of lead and zinc mining.