Topeka to close 3 elementary schools this year

? The Topeka school district will close three elementary schools at the end of this academic year, with one more to close after next year.

The school board voted Thursday night to close Quinton Heights, Lundgren and Linn elementary schools. School officials say the closings will save the district $1.5 million. Avondale East will close at the end of next year.

The four schools each have fewer than 200 students.

WIBW reports that the vote follows more than a year of planning and public hearings. The school district is facing a budget deficit of more than $4.4 million next year because of reductions in state aid.