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Parent criticizes school closure decision, calls for transparency and community involvement
Summary
At public comment, parent Paul LaTore urged the board to reverse the closure of Wilton Elementary and called for more transparent, community‑centered decision making; he said the school was not low‑capacity and accused the district of sidelining families.
A parent addressing the Granville County Board of Education on Wednesday urged the board to reverse its decision to close Wilton Elementary and to involve the community more fully in district decisions.
Paul LaTore told the board he was speaking as a parent and community member and said the district is not listening to families. “The community is asking to be heard, and that's not happening, obviously,” he said, criticizing how the closure was handled and arguing Wilton was not low in enrollment or failing academically.
LaTore asserted the school was operating at roughly 93% capacity and had been recognized for strong performance before the closure decision. “They have dedicated staff, engaged families...and now you're destroying it,” he said, urging the board to reconsider the decision and to explore alternatives to closing schools, such as improved outreach or enrollment strategies.
He also announced a community meeting scheduled for May 8 at 6 p.m. at Pearsontown City Hall (as stated in the comment), and said local and state representatives would be invited.
Board members did not take immediate action during the public comment period. The district’s administrative updates later in the meeting addressed ongoing budget and staffing pressures — context LaTore framed as the backdrop to the community’s concerns.
The school‑closure dispute remains a point of contention between community constituencies and the board’s consolidation plan. LaTore urged the board to “listen to your community” and “work with your community” before implementing further structural changes.
