Residents expressed frustration and concerns over the decision and its impact on students and the community.

“Right now, you may have won the battle, but this war is far from over… What are you going to do when these ripples get bigger? Are you going to continue with this plan? If you do, it’s going to cause more damage than you already have,” said Harold Dunkle of Pittsfield.

Barb Lutton from Youngsville raised concerns about unclear scheduling. One reason to close schools is to increase overall course offerings for students at the remaining two high schools. Lutton said that hasn’t been demonstrated yet in the wake of the vote to close Youngsville and Sheffield.

“Unless the fact sheet you posted has the exact courses you are offering at Warren and Eisenhower, we don’t even know what classes there are. PA Cyber School looks attractive – we know what’s offered, and it’s solidly laid out,” she said. She also expressed frustration with communication, adding, “This is the first time I felt like I had dialogue in the past four months.”

Pictured is Barb Lutton talking to the school board.

Gary Weber, district superintendent, reassured attendees that open houses will be scheduled to allow students to tour their new schools and make informed decisions.

As for course offerings, board member Mary Passinger said exact courses to be offered and the schools where they will be offered is still being determined because it will be based in part on what students want to see offered.

“All classes are available to all students, but it depends on what they sign up for,” Passenger said. “If 20 kids sign up for a class at Eisenhower and only 10 at Warren, the class will be held at Eisenhower because we got the minimum number of kids to be able to offer this course.” The school board is encouraging students to sign up for the classes that they want to take, but final courses for what will be offered depends on what they sign up for and if the minimum number of kids sign up for it.”

Youngsville baseball coach Eddie Dorunda addressed the board, inviting them to a spring game and sharing his frustrations.

“My students come to me for answers as a mentor and coach, and I don’t have an answer for them,” Dorunda said. “Everyone, me included, has not been given answers. We are making decisions before we have answers.”

Pictured is Eddie Dorunda- Coach at Youngsville talking to the school board

Also discussed during committee meetings on Monday are the return of art therapy services provided by Family Services of Warren County, with group sessions rotating between schools. Additionally, Felix & Gloekleer, P.C., reported a positive audit for the district, highlighting a clean financial report with improved fund balances.

The meeting also included discussions about the 2025-26 school calendar and budget timelines, with scheduling deadlines for students set for February 14.