Martin County Board votes 4–3 to close South Creek Middle School, merge it with Riverside

The Martin County Board of Education voted 4–3 to close South Creek Middle School and consolidate it with Riverside Middle School, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year.

Dr. White, the district superintendent, recommended the consolidation after a financial and facilities review that found South Creek serves about 136 students in a building designed for nearly 1,000, with essential repair needs the district estimated at about $2.5 million. Dr. White said the school’s per‑pupil expenditure is roughly $16,975 and that utilities alone exceed $200,000 annually at South Creek, making current operations unsustainable. "By merging the two schools we would actually save $6,346 per student," Dr. White said, adding the district could save approximately $3.5 million to $3.6 million through consolidation and related changes.

The recommendation prompted sustained public comment and debate. Mayor Tina Brown told the board that schools are community anchors and urged the board to weigh impacts on housing, local businesses and civic life if a school closes. "When a school closes, many residents see it as a signal that their community is shrinking rather than growing," she said.

Several residents and petitioners asked the board to delay or reconsider closure. Yolanda Best said she had gathered "over 500" signatures opposing consolidation and warned that a 14‑mile additional commute to Riverside would strain families, students with disabilities and those without reliable vehicles. "Our buildings should not be abandoned when the resources exist to be repaired," Best said.

Opponents argued the process did not allow enough community engagement. "One meeting for the public is not enough," said Maddie Streeter, who said the community plans to organize and explore legal options if the closure proceeds.

Board members were split. Pat Nelson, representing District 2, read a long statement urging additional community consultation and highlighting the potential economic and social impact on Robertsonville and outlying communities. Board member Abby expressed concern about transportation burdens and asked for comparative cost figures for moving students across the street instead of consolidating farther away.

Dr. White responded that while moving students "across the street" to a different school building could save infrastructure costs, it would not address the staffing overages the district faces; he said the district is over roughly 10 positions at a cost estimated at about $822,000 and projected to lose about $1 million in state allotments next year because of enrollment declines.

After discussion, Mr. Baker moved to accept the superintendent’s recommendation; Mr. Shiver seconded. The chair called for a hand vote; the motion carried, 4 in favor, 3 opposed.

The board did not take immediate additional action on transition details during the meeting. Dr. White had framed the recommendation as a budgetary and instructional decision to sustain programs districtwide; the board’s approval directs staff to move ahead with planning for consolidation and to return with implementation steps and timeline.

What’s next: the board approved the closure motion and expects district staff to work on operational details for the consolidation; the superintendent previously asked that any questions submitted to the board receive a written response within 10 working days.