Residents urge board to reconsider recent school closures, cite community and economic harms

Two members of the public used the Jan. 6 comment period to press the Board of Education on recent school closures and staff reassignments.

Longtime Granville County employee Darrell Curtis told the board he has worked more than 27 years at Buzdottam Elementary and asked that his reassignment be reconsidered, describing his service as "my heartbeat" and saying he was in "utter disbelief" at the reassignment decision.

Paul Latorre, a local business owner, urged the board to take a deeper look at the district’s recent consolidation choices, saying, "Over the past 2 years, our county has seen 4 schools close," and listing Granville Central High School, Butler STEM Middle School, GC Holly Middle School and Wilton Elementary. Latorre said closures remove community anchors, increase transportation burdens for families, risk staff job loss and can depress local small‑business activity tied to school traffic.

Board members did not take action during public comment but thanked speakers and proceeded with the agenda. The comments underscore continuing community concern about the recent consolidation process and the consequences for neighborhoods, enrollment and staff reassignments.