Those attending the Wednesday joint meeting among the Iowa City School District, Iowa City City Council, and Johnson County Board of Supervisors expressed discontent at the idea of closing Roosevelt Elementary.

"We got very concerned with the School District talking about closing Roosevelt. It’s a very fragile neighborhood," said City Councilor Connie Champion. "We’re willing to work with you and see what we can do with these older neighborhood schools, because we feel these neighborhoods are incredibly important to the city."

Supervisor Janelle Rettig said the decision could have negative effects on the school’s neighborhood.

She also felt the decision would be counterproductive in terms of trying to promote sustainability.

"They’re moving schools to places they can’t walk or bike to. There’s nothing sustainable about that," she said.

— by Asmaa Elkeurti