Hundreds rally to save South Elementary
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — Hundreds of parents, students and teachers rallied Tuesday night to save their school.
South Elementary is now among the schools that could close as part of “Vision 2020” and as decision day creeps closer supporters made their voices heard.
From dozens of hand-made signs of support to their own hashtag – #SaveSouth, supporters of South Elementary came out in droves to let the Jackson-Madison County School Board know they will not be closed without a fight.
“I think it’s just common sense,” parent Barry Hart said. “And if our school board has any they would keep this school open.”
For 24 years, South Elementary has been a focal point in South Madison County.
“This school is the heart of Pinson, Tennessee,” South Elementary Librarian Ronda Cooper said. “It’s not only a beautiful building but our students love that they get to come to school in their community.”
When “Vision 2020” first geared up earlier this year, so did fears of this community losing something it loved.
“Originally we knew that there was a possibility that South was on the chopping block,” Cooper said. “But that was at the beginning of “Vision 2020″ and then we thought we were OK.”
During month’s of public hearings, South was never mentioned. Then at the school board’s recent retreat, South and many others were thrown into the mix of possible closures.
“I think that has caused some concern because now some people are saying, ‘well we didn’t even know you were considering us,” Superintendent Dr. Verna Ruffin said. “When in actuality the board hasn’t decided on anything at this point.”
But as days wind down til a decision is supposed to be made parents, students, and teachers said they want the board to know they believe there are better options.
“We have great parents and community support here and we want people to know that,” Cooper said. “We want people to know that South Elementary is worth the drive.”
The school board’s next public meeting is on Monday when they will hold a work session. They have said they expect to have a final decision on “Vision 2020” by December 10.
School board members also held a budget committee meeting Tuesday afternoon, going over project’s for the next few years which show a large defict growing by the year 2019.
Members said the numbers highlight the reason behind the “Vision 2020” plan, which as of current calculations could save upwards of $3 million a year.
