After more than a century of serving families on Fort Wayne’s south side, South Wayne Elementary is preparing to close its doors for good.

Fort Wayne Community Schools announced the closure last November, citing funding cuts that made it impossible to keep the school open beyond this year.

Established in 1923, the school will officially close May 20. Principal Brenda West, who spent decades at South Wayne, says the building became like family for staff and students alike.

Teachers say students are handling the transition with resilience, even as emotions run high.

21 Alive News says this weekend, the school will host a “One Last Flight” event, inviting the community to share memories before the historic building begins its next chapter.