The Haywood County School board has voted to close Central Elementary School in Waynesville on a 6-to-2 vote. Board Chairman Chuck Francis, who as Chair did not vote, called it a "heartbreaking decision," and a day he hoped would never come. He cited funding cuts and declining enrollment, partly due to the opening of a charter school nearby, as reasons for the action. He spoke with WCQS's Jeremy Loeb.
Central Elementary Principal Jean Ann Yates e-mailed a statement to WCQS:
It has been a devastating day for the Central Elementary community. We are heart broken, but determined to be here and do what is best for our students. We are so thankful for all the outpouring of support from so many individuals. My hope is that our citizens will vote in November and make their voices heard. This has quite simply been an attack on public education from our legislature. Central may not be the only school in our area to close unless changes in state funding are mandated. I would also like to thank Dr. Garrett, Dr. Nolte, Central Office staff, and members of the School Board for working tirelessly with our budget to try and determine any and all possibilities to mitigate the loss of Central as well as other teaching positions.
