Chamber Backs Parents to Keep Schools Open

Concerned parents have received some support in holding off on closing one of two elementary school. The Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce has issued a statement requesting no decision be made until completing a careful evaluation of all relevant factors– The school board says they could jeopardize 90 million dollars of school funding over the next 15 years if they don’t make a decision to close the schools. But opposition believes closing schools will not solve the County’s longer-term problem; and is urging officials to reconsider…stating in a press release, that “ challenge is how to improve the educational service provided by the schools such that they will attract and retain more students.” But officials say the only alternative would be to raise property taxes. The School Board will make a decision about Body Camp and Moneta at their meeting on June 5th. The fate of Bedford Primary and Thaxton Elementary will be determined later this year.