Parents packed the Unit 5 school board meeting on Wednesday night. (Adam Studzinski/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – A plan for Towanda and Carlock elementary schools to share a principal next school year is drawing concern from parents.

Several parents expressed their distaste for the idea Wednesday night while addressing the Unit 5 school board. Kelly Dunn has two children at Towanda and said the principal currently at the school is a "huge part" the student's days.

"From greeting kids getting off the bus, to throughout the day, to setting the tone of how the day is going to go," Dunn said.

Brett Lueschen is another Towanda parent who also happens to be the chief of the Towanda Fire Department. He said it's important to have a principal in the building at all times.

"We've had not major emergencies, but we've had some medical emergencies in the past," said Lueschen. "The principal, Mr. Vogel, has been very good. He's actually provided us with the information that they have on the child."

Jane Phillips called herself a "proud Towanda Bulldog mom." She said the idea of sharing principals has been tried in the past and did not work as well as planned.

"I'd ask you to talk to many families and teachers who were involved before, not just one or two," said Phillips. "I believe you will find overall that the moral of the school was low, questions needing attention were delayed, and the students did not have the positive interaction with the principal that we have now."

Superintendant Mark Daniel said he understands the parent's concern.

"We need to consider their input and we've taken copious notes here. (I) would like to look at those," said Daniel. "There are a couple of people I think I would like to speak to about some alternative funding."

Daniel has said funding is the primary reason for making this decision. He estimated Unit 5 can save $70,000 by having one principal split time between Towanda and Carlock.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].