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Randolph County board votes to close Virtual Academy at Randolph after public comment on transfers
Summary
The Randolph County Board of Education voted to close the Virtual Academy at Randolph at the end of the 2024–25 school year, citing budget shortfalls and declining enrollment. Parents at URI Ridge urged the board to stop transfers they say are hollowing out that middle school.
The Randolph County Board of Education voted May 20 to close the Virtual Academy at Randolph at the conclusion of the 2024–25 school year, citing declining enrollment and budget shortfalls.
The decision came after the board heard public comments from parents who said student transfers have turned URI Ridge into a “school of choice,” draining enrollment and extracurricular support. Emily Hinesley, a Randolph County Schools graduate who identified herself as a parent and PCO president at Farmer, told the board: "Quit throwing lipstick on a pig. Stop the transfer process immediately." Casey Couple, a parent with children at URI Ridge and Farmer, said transfers are driven by families who can provide transportation and extracurricular support and urged the board to uphold district lines.
The board’s move follows a recommendation from the superintendent to close the academy, which the administration said…
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