OAK HILL, W.Va. — The Fayette County Board of Education voted Tuesday to close seven schools over a two-year period, as well as reconfigure and consolidate the remaining schools for students and create a new institution.
The board voted 4-1, with board member Patsy Holliday voting against the measure recommended by Fayette County Schools Superintendent Terry George.
George said after the meeting the plan will benefit students by allowing them to have more opportunities and resources.
“It will provide our students an enhanced curriculum,” George said, adding facilities will be more conducive for students.
The vote followed 14 separate hearings beginning on April 25 regarding schools being considered for closure.
The plan would change the number of schools in the system from 18 to 12.
At the end of the 2017-2018 school year, Ansted Middle School will be closed, and Midland Trail High School will enroll students between sixth and 12th grades.
After the 2018-2019 school year concludes, the following actions will take place:
— Rosedale and Mount Hope Elementary Schools will close;
— Collins Middle School will be reconfigured fifth-grade through eighth-grade students;
— New River Elementary School will be turned into thrid-grade through fifth-grade institution;
— A new school, New Oak Hill PK-2, will be used for pre-kindergarten to second-grade classes;
— A closure of Fayetteville and Gatewood Elementary Schools;
— A reconfiguration of Fayetteville High School into a school for pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students;
— Meadow Bridge High School will be closed;
— Meadow Bridge High students will attend Midland Trail High School or Greenbrier West High School in Greenbrier County;
— Meadow Bridge Elementary will be renovated into a pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade institution;
— the closure of Valley Elementary School; and
—Valley High School will be renovated to create a pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade school.
According to George, around 30 people attended the meeting, with most voicing in favor of the plan.
The West Virginia Board of Education will have to approve the measure. It is not yet known when they will vote on the proposal.