The Fayette County Board of Education is expecting standing room only during its Monday’s regular school board meeting. A $15 million dollar budget shortfall is forcing the system to take a serious look at closing four schools: Fayette Middle School, Brooks Elementary, Tyrone Elementary and Fayetteville Intermediate School. This news has many parents and people in the community anxious about losing neighborhood schools as the board makes decisions during this Monday meeting.
Redistricting and school closing plans are not new to Fayette County residents. It is no secret that the District overbuilt facilities and has been struggles to balance low enrollment with the cost of keeping under used facilities opened and staffed. Declined in county revenue is bringing the issue to a critical front, and regardless of how parents feel, the school board will have to make some tough decisions.
Two Public Hearings are scheduled for Feb. 14 and Feb. 25, and both are at 7 p.m. at the 900-seat Sams Auditorium in Fayetteville. Because the School Board expects to accommodate an overflow crowd during this Monday ‘s regular meeting, it decided to move the Monday meeting to the Sams Auditorium as well.
Parents attending these meetings are particular concerned about the final closure list, how new district lines are being drawn, and the next phase of this downsizing, personnel cuts. Once the Board makes a final decision on the school closures, it will be forced to reduce district employees.
Some details are already developed. Interim Superintendent Dan Colwell says Preliminary Attendance Zone maps are available for public review. The most recent Redistricting, Boundary Maps, and School Closures Updates can be found on the homepage of the Fayette County Schools Website.
Fayette School System’s Redistricting Committee is expected to present its final plan during the March 18 regular board meeting.
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