Residents urge board to keep Lawson/Marriott Elementary open, cite long bus rides and child safety

Public commenters at the Oct. 15 King and Queen County Board of Supervisors meeting urged the board not to close Lawson/Marriott Elementary and send children to the Central High School campus, arguing that the youngest students would face excessively long bus rides and that the county should explore alternatives and grants to keep the school open.

"The babies are too small, and the bus rides will be too long," said Stephanie Dabny of the Newtown District, speaking during the meeting's public comment period. "Please keep their school open, they love their school." Jackie Robinson, also of Newtown and who identified herself as a certified babysitter, said it is "too early" to put preschool- and early-elementary-age children on buses for lengthy commutes. John Robinson and Jonathon Wainright urged the board to consider professional evaluations, long-term growth planning and available grant funding to avoid consolidating campuses.

Lawanda Travis, a grandparent of students in the system, said attendance and classroom support must be addressed so children do not suffer from longer travel. Several commenters asked whether parents had been surveyed before decisions were made and offered to help the county pursue grants or other assistance.

Board members acknowledged the public concern but emphasized that several aspects of the school project fall under the School Board's authority. "Many of the concerns raised are under the authority of the School Board, not the Board of Supervisors, such as student transportation," said Supervisor S.C. Alsop, who also said county leaders must weigh competing priorities and limited funds for services such as emergency medical technicians and deputies. "There is only one pot of money," she said.

Supervisor M.H. Norman thanked residents for their input and said the board is considering all comments. Supervisor M.R. Berry, attending virtually, said inaccurate information was circulating and urged residents to contact their supervisors for accurate details. Chairman J.L. Simpkins reiterated that decisions about the project remain pending and encouraged residents to rely on official board communications rather than social media.

The board did not take a formal vote on closing Lawson/Marriott Elementary during the Oct. 15 meeting. County Administrator Vivian Seay reported that responses to an RFP for a master site plan for the school campus were due the prior week and that a selection committee was set to meet, indicating further study and planning are underway. The board also scheduled a public hearing on telework center leases for Nov. 13 and received periodic updates from staff.