NEWMAN LAKE, Wash. -- It is the end of an era for Mountain View Middle School. It closed its doors Friday for good because of a budget shortfall. For some people, the closure brought out some emotional reactions.
In early May, the East Valley School District decided to close the school. The district declared a financial emergency which included laying off staff and teachers. The district said the cuts amount to 6.3% of the district's budget.
Teachers and staff decided to make the school's final week a celebration of enjoying each other and the school's 32 year history. One of the treasured moments on the school's final day was a flash mob starting with several teachers and ending with the entire student body, faculty and staff.
All of those who either worked or attended Mountain View were allowed to sign a wall in the gymnasium.
Next year's 7th and 8th graders will go to East Valley Middle School. This week the schools held a social for the Lancers to meet the Squires. The combined student body will have a new mascot, the Knights.
