Lynchburg community advocating for elementary schools is successful
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) –$3.2 million — that’s the price tag Lynchburg City Schools had put on keeping T.C. Miller and Sandusky Elementary schools open — a price it couldn’t pay.
After weeks of pushback, Lynchburg Mayor Stephanie Reed announced at a Lynchburg city council meeting on Tuesday, April 17, that she, the vice mayor and the city manager are looking for a way to foot that bill.
Members of the community said this could be the light at the end of the tunnel for the teachers and students who would’ve been affected.
“They didn’t know if they would have a job next year, where they’re going to go to school if their school would even be open. Finally, they felt heard, finally they felt like the leaders in their city were trying to help them,” said Nettie Webb, the director of Save Our Schools – LCS.
This comes after months of fighting and advocating from parents and community members who wanted to keep the schools open.
“The question came about, ‘Is it worth $3.2 million to continue to keep the schools open for another year’,” said the Principal of Sandusky Elementary School, Derrick Womack during Tuesday’s meeting. “I can’t put a price tag on my children.”
While plans to meet funding needs won’t be voted on until April 23, the mayor says one possible source for that money is from the surplus the city has left over from last year.
“You and your families and your students can know, at least for the next year, that you have a home,” Reed said during the Tuesday Council meeting.
Advocate groups like Save Our Schools say one more year could buy the community more time to find a way to keep them open past next year.
“We’re happy with this win, but this is short term. We want to continue to fight for a long-term solution and to keep these schools open,” Webb said.
The group says one possible way to find that solution is to create a task force – made of teachers, the school board, the city council, and parents.
“To make a plan, to create one that represents all students, all families, and all community desires,” Webb explained.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
