JENKS, Okla. — Jenks Public Schools will keep its planetarium open.
The decision comes weeks after school officials shared plans to re-purpose the facility due to operational costs.
The school initially planned to move the e-sports program into that space. A new space is being created for the e-sports team.
WATCH: JPS announces planetarium will remain open after concerns from students, parents, and alumni:
In a statement sent to parents, JPS said teachers will continue to use the planetarium to access lessons for math and science classes. The new model allows the district to reduce operational costs.
Despite the decision to remain open, the planetarium is not going to open to the public for community events.
The closure created mixed emotions for Jenks alumnus Joshua Taylor, "I was super excited," to hear the planetarium will remain open. I was a little puzzled as to why they said that the planetarium would no longer be open to the public. Because I feel like that’s part of what made it unique. And I think it’s something that makes it special about the community."
2 News posed that question to Rob Loeber, the district's spokesperson. He sent the following statement.
"We’re not using the planetarium as it had been used for the last 15 yrs. We’re not going to have a director or have it open on nights and weekends-all things that contribute to the operational expenses. The goal from the beginning was to reevaluate the space and find the best use of dollars combined with instructional benefit for kids. This new direction allows our teachers and students a more user-friendly space while overall, still reducing costs. Yes, we understand some in our community are upset about the decision and the new direction. Sometimes leaders have to make difficult decisions when looking to the future and determining the best use of our buildings and resources."
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