Talks about renovations to four Centre County elementary schools have been ongoing for several weeks. Now, some parents are getting more involved after learning one of those schools could be on the chopping block.

Corl Street Elementary School is the smallest in the district, with about 230 kids, K-5. Parents don’t want to see it go, but district officials said there may not be a choice.

“It’s very difficult to build a new building on that site, so the only two options were renovation additions or close the building,” Randy Brown, District Business Administrator, said. “We planned all along to evaluate those two decision points and with the help of feedback from community members, we’re continuing to do that. What I can share is that what folks need to remember is that probably, if Corl Street does stay, it won’t stay in the same way that it’s looking today.”

It’s an idea not sitting well with parents. Nathaniel Rasmussen is one of about 250 others who signed a change.org petition. They’re fighting to see the school stay.

“Corl Street is one of the best schools in the state and has one of the best student to teacher ratios in the state,” Rasmussen said. “I think the concept of neighborhood schools is a really good one. It leads to better relationships with teachers and reinforces something that I think is very valuable, which is the idea that you can walk to a place in your neighborhood.”

No final decisions have been made. District officials want more feedback from parents. Their next public meeting to discuss the options is scheduled for June 16 at Mount Nittany Middle School. It starts at 7:00 p.m.