JEFFERSON TWP — The South Butler School Board approved closing the Clarence C. Brown Education Center during Wednesday night’s meeting.

South Butler School District was the last district to vote on the school closing as a part-owner of the school’s building on Pittsburgh Pike Road in Butler Township. South Butler shares ownership with Karns City, Mars, Moniteau and Seneca Valley school districts, all of which already voted to close the school on June 30.

While these districts own the building, the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV of Grove City runs the programming at the school, and the MIU issued a recommendation to close the school due to financial reasons.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we do what we need to do,” said board member Debra Miller. “(The school) was a true blessing for some families.”

The Clarence Brown school is for alternative and special needs education, with 15 students enrolled currently, with five expected graduates this spring.

A public hearing will be held Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. at the school, 1104 Pittsburgh Pike Road.