LAGRANGE – The threatened mass exodus from Lakeland School Corporation following the closings of two schools hasn’t materialized yet.

Superintendent Dr. Eva Merkel told the school board Monday evening that few students have withdrawn so far.

"Since the announcement of consolidation eight students have withdrawn. Six were due parents are moving. One was a foster placement and one was a move to home schooling that was being contemplated prior to the announcement."

Five students are said to be moving into the high school.

The school board approved the creation of two new administrative positions. Chelsea Superczynski will become the second assistant principal at Lakeland Jr-Sr High School at a salary of around $75-thousand per year. She has been assistant principal at Parkside Elementary.

The board also created the position of Director of Business Operations and hired Kirby Blake Doidge to fill it at a salary around $70-thousand. They chose Doidge from among 38 applicants.

Town hall meetings are planned to gauge interest in preschool and other programs at the elementary schools that are closing.

Open houses are being planned for the community to visit Lima Brighton and Wolcott Mills Elementary Schools before they close.