Save our Elementary Schools

We need to stand up for our schools in Brunswick County. The School Board is looking to close the remaining elementary schools Red Oak Sturgeon a.k.a ROSE / Meherrin Powllton and relocate our students to Totaro Elementary. We need to voice our concerns as to why we believe this is not a good IDEA! The following needs to be explained in regards to the budget: 1) How has the money been used during the last 5 years? How is the money going to be used moving forward? 2) What are the plans for new technology to bring our children up to the 21st century 3) What is break down of what it'll cost the tax payers to close the schools and to relocate? 4) What are the costs of buses & gas now compared to what it will cost if the children are stationed in one school. 

Is there a fire hazard in putting the children in trailers? Do we prefer to put our children in trailers that are potentially unsafe, turning our schools into trailer park education? Or do we prefer having our children in a building? Faculty and Staff jobs, are they safe? If so, how do you propose structuring the budget to maintain these jobs? We need to be better informed as to why what you're currently offering is better than what we have now. The hours of operation that you are currently proposing will require students as young as 4 be on the bus for over 2 hours. What time will the children be required to board the buses in the morning? What time can we anticipate the children returning home in the afternoon/evening?

We do not believe it's safe to have 5th graders in a middle school setting. We also feel that closing these schools will cause overcrowding. There will not be enough one on one with students, as 24 students in one class is too much for one teacher. Other potential issues we foresee include, but are not limited to, S.O.L scores will drop, bullying will increase, students will have to walk in inclement weather from trailers to eat lunch & to catch buses and the mental state of the children who have to relocate.  

The citizens of Brunswick County request that this proposal be removed from the agenda.