Haven ? After more than a year of debate, the Haven school board has decided to close Mount Hope Grade School.

The decision at Wednesday’s board meeting was greeted with tears and vows from opponents to fight the decision.

District officials say Haven needs to cut about $500,000 in spending for the next school year.

The Hutchinson News reports that the Mount Hope school was built in 1997 and paid off in 2010.

Board members who voted to close the school says the decision will spare the district from having to make other program cuts.