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Parents and teachers urge supervisors to fund schools, oppose Stewartsville closure
Summary
Residents from the Staunton River zone pressed the Board of Supervisors to work with the School Board to avoid closing Stewartsville Elementary and other reconfigurations, citing student safety, capacity and long-term community impact.
A stream of parents, teachers and school employees told the Bedford County Board of Supervisors on March 10 that proposed school closures and grade realignment would harm students and communities and asked the county to collaborate with the School Board on funding alternatives.
Amanda Bryant, president of the Goodview Elementary PTA and a Staunton River-zone parent, said potential short-notice closures "create a great deal of uncertainty for families, students, and educators" and asked supervisors to "explore solutions that protect our schools while addressing the county's many fiscal responsibilities."
Valerie Stayton, a 21-year Bedford County Public Schools employee, said the Stewartsville plan (reported at 47% capacity) would force fifth graders into middle school and eighth graders into high school and that closing recently repaired facilities "is unacceptable." "If our elementary schools were able to absorb those students, then it wouldn't be as bad, but they can't," she said.
Katie Turner, a Huddleston parent, highlighted safety concerns about asking a 10-year-old to ride a bus for more than an hour with older students: "She should not be asked to be in an environment that she's not emotionally ready for." Michael McKee urged the board to approve the school budget to keep Stuarts Draft Elementary open and to maintain staff raises.
Multiple supervisors addressed those comments during board remarks and pledged to review the school budget during the county—udget process. Board members repeatedly emphasized limits on using one-time fund balances for ongoing operating costs and noted high county debt service tied to school capital projects.
No final vote on school funding or closures occurred at the meeting; the board scheduled further budget work sessions and said staff will continue collaboration with the School Board.
