The Randolph County Board of Education voted Monday night to close a school at the end of the year due to declining enrollment and budget constraints.
At a public hearing last week, dozens of students, parents and staff spoke out against a proposal to close Uwharrie Ridge Six-Twelve. They cited concerns about losing their tight-knit community and class rankings.
But Superintendent Stephen Gainey said while closing a school isn’t ideal, the district can’t afford to keep it open. State funding has declined, and the district is dipping into its savings to keep the budget balanced — a practice Gainey says can’t continue.
“Savings from the closure of Uwharrie Ridge Six-Twelve will prevent other reductions in the school system," Gainey said. "These other budget reductions will prevent students from access to high-quality staff members and resources.”
The board voted 4-3 to close the school, which is estimated to save $1.3 million. Current staff members will be offered first dibs on other vacant positions throughout the system.
Members also voted to allow rising juniors and seniors to maintain their class ranks and technically graduate from Uwharrie Ridge, even after transferring.