SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — Three public hearings are scheduled for this evening on Summersville as the Nicholas County Board of Education considers closing two small elementary schools and sending the students to the new Summersville PK-8 school that is scheduled to open next fall.
The proposal is to close both Zela and Birch River elementary schools after this school year.
Both schools have dropped below 100 students in recent years.
According to school closing documents, “By closing and consolidating Zela Elementary School and Birch River Elementary School into the Summersville Pre K-8, students will benefit from improved facilities and resources, decreased operational expenses and expanded curriculum opportunities. They will also have the advantage of moving into a newly built complex.”
Bus rides would increase by about 20 minutes each way, according to the documents.
The public hearings begin at 4:30 this evening at Nicholas County High School. School closing votes would take place at a later date.