The idea of Albemarle closing some small elementary schools was shut down after opposition by hundreds last year, but School Board members signaled Thursday that they’re reconsidering.
School Board member Stephen Koleszar said after the board’s discussion that he is a major proponent of the tight-knit schools, which he’s often called “community schools,” but added that the schools might have to be closed if county supervisors don’t front more money.
“If we’re not going to get that financial support, then we might have to make that hard decision,” Koleszar said.
School Board members opposed a county tax decrease put into place earlier this year, arguing that the division was undercut with multimillion-dollar cuts, which were absorbed through teacher and other reductions.
Smaller schools are generally more expensive to operate, and also considering that some small county schools are due for renovation, the Long-Range Planning Advisory Committee recommended to School Board members on Thursday that Scottsville Elementary School be expanded to hold 431 additional students starting in 2012. The committee suggested closing Yancey Elementary in June 2013.
School Board Chairman Ronnie Price Sr. said that a joint meeting with the Board of Supervisors will help provide the school division with a better understanding of how much money could be forthcoming next budget cycle.
“If small schools aren’t valued by our Board of Supervisors, then we need to know that,” Price said.
Koleszar, who represents the Scottsville District, said the committee’s suggestion “flies directly in the face of that decision,” made by the School Board last year.
“Why close just one small elementary school if we’re going to go for operation savings?” he added.
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