Budget deficit forces school board to make tough decision
The Franklin County School Board has voted to close Burnt Chimney and Henry Elementary School, effective from the 2024-2025 school year. The board said the decision was necessary due to a $4 million deficit in the budget from the state and a decline in student enrollment over the past decade. However, the move has sparked outrage and disappointment among parents, teachers, and community members, who fear the impact on the quality of education and the local economy.
The school board passed the motion to close the two schools in a 5-3 vote on Wednesday night, after a heated public hearing that lasted for hours. Some board members argued that closing the schools would allow the district to allocate more resources to the remaining schools, such as full-time art and music teachers, gym teachers, and guidance counselors. They also said the district would save money on maintenance and transportation costs.
Others, however, opposed the closure, saying it was too rushed and did not consider the alternatives. They pointed out that the governor’s budget, which could provide more funding for the district, would not be released until April. They also questioned the accuracy of the enrollment projections and the cost-benefit analysis. They urged the board to delay the vote and explore other options, such as redistricting, consolidating, or repurposing the schools.
Parents and teachers voice their concerns and frustrations
Many parents and teachers who attended the public hearing expressed their concerns and frustrations over the closure of the two schools. They said the schools were more than just buildings, but the heart and soul of their communities. They said the schools provided a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for the students, many of whom came from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds. They also said the schools had a strong academic performance and a dedicated staff.
Some parents and teachers also raised the issue of the long bus rides that the students would have to endure if they were transferred to other schools. They said this would affect their physical and mental health, as well as their academic achievement and extracurricular activities. They said the district should prioritize the well-being and education of the students over the financial savings.
Additionally, some parents and teachers worried about the economic impact of the closure of the schools on the local businesses and property values. They said the schools were a vital part of the rural economy and attracted families and investors to the area. They said the closure of the schools would result in a loss of jobs, income, and tax revenue for the county.
Community members plan to fight back and save the schools
Despite the school board’s vote, some community members are not giving up on saving the schools. They have launched a petition to reverse the decision and have gathered more than 2,000 signatures so far. They have also formed a group called Save Our Schools Franklin County, which aims to raise awareness and mobilize support for the cause. They plan to hold rallies, protests, and fundraisers to pressure the board and the county supervisors to reconsider the closure.
The group also hopes to challenge the legality of the vote, claiming that it violated the state code and the district’s policy. They allege that the board did not follow the proper procedures and criteria for closing the schools, such as conducting a public hearing at least 15 days before the vote, providing adequate notice and information to the public, and considering the impact on the students and the community.
The group said they are prepared to take legal action if necessary, and have hired a lawyer to represent them. They said they are confident that they have a strong case and that they have the support of the majority of the county residents.
School board and county supervisors to finalize the budget
The school board will finalize the budget on March 4 and present it to the county supervisors on March 5. The supervisors will then review and approve the budget by April 15. The school board and the county supervisors have said they are open to hearing the feedback and suggestions from the public, but they have also defended the decision to close the schools as the best option for the district and the county.
The school board and the county supervisors have also said they are committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition for the students and the staff affected by the closure. They said they will work with the principals, teachers, parents, and students to create a transition plan that will address the academic, social, and emotional needs of the students. They said they will also provide assistance and support to the staff who will be displaced or reassigned.
The school board and the county supervisors have also said they are grateful for the service and dedication of the staff and the community of the two schools. They said they recognize the value and importance of the schools and the impact they have had on the county. They said they hope to honor and celebrate the legacy and achievements of the schools before they close.
