Share
The Gaston County Public Schools' plan to save money by closing three schools isn't playing well with some of the public.
Several dozen people spoke against the proposal Tuesday night during a public hearing at Gaston College. Parents and community leaders said the schools are providing important services for students.
The plan comes from a report issued by the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, which said the school system could save $900,000 a year by closing McAdenville and Rhyne elementary schools and York-Chester Middle School. All three of the schools have relatively small enrollments and would require millions of dollars in renovations, according to the study.
The school board is considering whether to shutter the three schools at the end of the current academic year.
Among the speakers Tuesday was Bill Carstarphen, president of Pharr Yarns, which donated the property in 1948 to Gaston County, for construction of McAdenville Elementary. Carstarphen said the McAdenville area is poised for growth, and closing the school would be a mistake.
Todd Pierceall, a Gaston City Council member, told the board that Rhyne Elementary is an important part of a Gastonia community that has a large number of low-income residents and is trying to rebuild.
The school board is scheduled to vote on the proposal next Tuesday, and board members plan to visit the three schools before then.
