To the editor:

As a parent of two Prairie Park students, I find the proposed closure of Kennedy very alarming. Prairie Park may not be at full capacity, but the introduction of a large number of students (70-plus), who will understandably be upset with moving schools, is not only unfair, but will put an unnecessary strain on the staff and students. The unsafe option of children walking to Prairie Park from north of 23rd Street (or across Massachusetts Street for those attending Cordley) is inconceivable.

I understand the need for an early-childhood center in Lawrence. Both of my children attended the Peer Model Program at Kennedy. Few other affordable options were available. But the fact that an EC center at Kennedy would not be centrally located, therefore helping the entire Lawrence community, makes it an unwise decision. Why not add more classes for EC at Kennedy and also keep the K-5 grades open? Why not open another EC center farther west to add other options for families? This seems like a rushed and monetarily motivated option for the school district — not an option that considers the well-being of the community.

After the uncertainty COVID has brought to the lives of children, teachers, parents and families, why bring in more disruption? We need stability for our schools, children and teachers — not more drastic changes in an already stressful time.

Sara Lansing,

Lawrence