KEARNEY, Neb. — A small elementary school in Kearney will soon be transformed into a K-5 alternative school.

The Kearney school board voted 5-1 on Monday in favor of the proposal to change Glenwood Elementary. Those students will now go to Buffalo Hills Elementary.

Glenwood parents are fiercely opposed to the decision, saying they like their tight-knit community school.

The board members who voted in favor of the measure said behaviorally challenged kids need their own facility because of an increase in violent threats. They also cited the desire to retain more teachers and believe this decision could help. The board members said making the move right now at Glenwood is the best fit for the budget.

“But what I can’t get my head around is 2900 kids sitting in (their classrooms), trying to get their education and they’re evacuated from their room," board member Paul Hazard said. "I can’t be ok with that.”

Board members for the change, like Paul Hazard, pointed to a spike in violent threats that cause major disruptions. They believe an alternative school, similar to district’s Hanny Arram Center that serves middle and high school students, could benefit the entire district more than it detracts from today’s Glenwood students.

The decision was informed by a survey given to teachers.

“It was overwhelming," board member Amy Barth said. "‘Yes, we need this. Yes, we want this. And yes, it’s going to affect my retention because if I have to keep going like this, I’m going to burn out.’”

Parents like Melinda Riedel organized against the proposal and tried to preserve the school.

“Obviously, we’re very disappointed," Riedel said. "We had a petition of almost 1200 signatures. So if you are one of the 1200 signatures, please reach out to board and also tell them how disappointed you are.”

Glenwood was already set to undergo an essential renovation. It will cost just over $1 million more to outfit it as an alternative school. The district says a new building could be 10 times the cost.

John Icenogle cast the lone dissenting vote. He said he couldn't support the school's location on the north edge of town.

The alternative school is expected to serve 30-40 students.

“A lot of people didn’t even know about it, they obviously didn’t agree with it," Riedel said. "They just felt like this is not a decision that six people should make and we need more time.”

Glenwood students will finish out the next semester at Glenwood Elementary. They will then be assigned to Buffalo Hills, but could choose a different school. Renovations will likely begin over the summer. Glenwood is expected to open as a K-5 alternative school in fall 2026.