Supporters of Gladys Elementary School are expected to turn out for tonight’s public hearing on the Campbell County Schools budget for the next school year.
Gladys is one of two schools that Superintendent Robert Johnson has proposed for potential closure. The other is the Fray Educational Center, an alternative school for grades 6-12, which usually has between 125 and 150 students. Fray includes students who are fifth-year seniors, are referred for behavior problems or whose parents have requested that they be placed there.
This is not the first time a Campbell County superintendent has put forward the idea of closing Gladys Elementary. Former superintendent George Nolley said at a school board meeting in 1999 that he would consider closing the school, but Nolley decided to change his recommendation after an outpouring of opposition from community members. The idea of closing Gladys came up again in 2009, but federal stimulus money helped Nolley take the idea off the table.
Parent and PTA member Suzanne Jennings is one of those who spoke out against a potential closure last year. Jennings said she understands that school officials face a tough situation, but is unhappy that the idea to close Gladys is back.
“It just raises its ugly head again,” she said. “The community is devastated again.”
Johnson’s proposal calls for Gladys students to attend Brookneal Elementary, which has room for more students. While the move would save money for the school division, some Gladys parents say driving or bussing students to Brookneal would be out of the way and that Rustburg Elementary might be more a more convenient choice.
About 20 parents met with Brookneal District School Board Member George Jones at the school last week. At that meeting, many said that the school is an integral part of what ties Gladys-area residents together.
Gladys Principal Lacy Webb, who was not present at the meeting with Jones, said a small school with small class sizes works well for the small Gladys community.
Webb said he hopes state legislators ultimately decide to lessen the impact of the potential budget deficit on area schools.
The Campbell County School Board will hold a public hearing on the 2011 budget at this evening’s school board meeting. Those who wish to speak are asked to sign up in advance.
Also at the meeting, school officials are expected to discuss changes to the school’s retirement policy.
According to agenda documents, Superintendent Robert Johnson is recommending scrapping the requirement that “20/20” retirement plan participants be paid 20 percent of their former salaries. Instead they would be paid at a rate “agreed upon by the school board and the employee.”
If you’re going
What: Campbell County School Board meeting
Where: Campbell County Technical Center, on U.S. 29 behind Yellow Branch Elementary School.
When: 7 p.m. Monday
For more information: http://www.campbell.k12.va.us
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