2 Brainerd elementary schools close

Whittier school
Whittier elementary school, along with Lincoln elementary school, in Brainerd held its last day of class on Friday. The Brainerd school district decided earlier this year to close two elementary schools after voters rejected a property tax increase to cover a budget gap.
MPR Photo/Tim Post

It was the last day of class for two Brainerd elementary schools - for good.

Both Whittier and Lincoln schools will close this summer because of district budget cuts. Friday was the last day of class for both schools.

Whittier Principal Steve Lundberg says students' excitement about summer vacation is mixed with sadness, because they're heading to different schools next fall.

The Brainerd School Board is closing the two schools as part of $5.5 million in budget reductions for next fall. Lincoln will be remodeled this summer and the Minnesota Learning Center will be relocated to the building in the fall.

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The district does not have plans to sell Whittier but the school will remain closed.

With the closings, the district will retain six elementary schools.

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Information from: The Brainerd Daily Dispatch, http://www.brainerddispatch.com