Emotions are high as parents fight to keep two elementary schools open
The community is not giving up on trying to save Sandusky and TC Miller Elementary Schools.
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - The fight to save two elementary schools from closing in Lynchburg continues as the community spoke before the city council to reconsider the budget.
“We send our children to public schools. Our city council should be advocating for our public schools. We want excellent schools; give them the money that they need,” said one parent.
Emotions were high as the community was not giving up on trying to save Sandusky and T.C. Miller Elementary Schools.
“Nearly seven months ago the decision was made to close Sandusky Elementary and TC Miller; that decision was made by the school board. And today, the school board still has no plan for our students,” said another parent.
In October, Lynchburg City School leaders voted to close Sandusky Elementary School in 2025 and to close or convert T.C. Miller Elementary School in 2025.
“Last Tuesday, I observed that our neighboring cities of Roanoke and Harrisonburg spent more than 30% of their city budget on their schools last year, while Lynchburg spent only about 17% of its budget on Lynchburg city schools,” said a community member.
Parents said the issue stems from the lack of funding for public schools. Last year the budget was $42 million. For 2025, the budget stands at $39 million.
“Even though the city revenue has increased by 16%, you’re giving $3 million less than five years ago.” said a Sandusky Elementary PTO.
Parents are pleading with the city to increase it by $3.2 million.
“With the closure of Sandusky Elementary, students will be pushed to Parramatta, Sheffield, and Heritage,” said one parent. “Those two schools are already near capacity. And even if we maxed out every classroom, each of those school’s 240 students would be left without anywhere to go.”
Teachers and parents are also concerned about the domino effect of the surrounding 9 schools.
“Our local school funding now lags back at 2015 rates, and the 2025 budget requires the elimination of 103 actual LCS positions, as well as closing schools,” said a parent.
In October, the board approved the expansion of Bass Elementary, to increase capacity if or when the schools close.
“I believe there has to be a way to keep a wonderful place like Sandusky open for many more kids to enjoy,” explained a parent.
The City Council did not give any comments after the public hearing. The city is in the works to discuss division-wide rezoning plans with Bass Addition.
To read more of WDBJ7′s coverage on the Lynchburg City School closures, click here.
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