Shocking the community, the Richmond County school board is asking the community to consider the closing some local schools as part of the community’s master plan.
In order to secure additional funding from the state, HPM Planning recommended Richmond County School System consolidate or even close A. Brian Merry Elementary School, Tutt Middle School and Glenn Hills High School.
Over the last few months in preparation, a consultant team engaged a community task force to make sure history, culture and capital are preserved, while navigating the impact of declining birth rates, lower enrollment, changes in neighborhood landscapes, as well as state and local funding.
With student achievement in mind, a press release from the county stated the task force’s recommendations would include multiple phases, which would incorporate the opening of new facilities, consolidation and minimizing the impact to students and teachers while increasing the amount of state funding coming into the district.
“As a result, we will be able to offer more programs and a better learning environment for every student, while building a strong foundation for tomorrow,” the press release stated.
However, at Tuesday evening’s regular monthly school board meeting, the President of Richmond County Board of Education, Charlie Walker said nothing has been finalized or voted on, and the board will be taking community input and feedback into consideration.
“I myself have heard [the plan] a couple of times, and each time I hear it, it makes a lot more sense,” Walker said. “Their review included almost every department within the school system here in Richmond County, even transportation, because it impacts such a wide array of different things on an everyday basis inside the school system.”
Upcoming meeting dates will be held on:
- March 4 at 6 p.m. – A. Brian Merry ES area
- March 5 at 6 p.m. – Spirit Creek MS/Gracewood ES area
- March 6 at 6 p.m. – Langford MS/Tutt MS area
- March 7 at 6 p.m. – Richmond Hill ES/MS area
- March 11 at 6 p.m. – Belair MS area
- March 12 at 6 p.m. – Central Office
“We encourage everyone to attend the next public information sessions and be part of our conversation about the future,” a press release from the school system stated. “These sessions will focus on the goals for Year One of the strategic vision with more details about the following five to 10 years to come later.”
For more information about the information sessions or the plan, visit: https://www.rcboe.org/Page/87344.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
