Summersville, West Virginia – The Nicholas County Board of Education reconvened on Monday to revisit the possible closure of Zela and Birch River Elementary schools. Parents and community members filled the meeting room, voicing strong opposition to shutting the schools and urging the board to preserve local education options.
Parents raise concerns about past closures and equity
One Zela parent, who attended the former Dixie Elementary as a child, warned that the school is already a product of three prior elementary closures – Kessler’s Cross Lanes, Otter Creek, and Dixie. “Our side of the county has always been neglected, and it’s not fair,” the parent said, reflecting a broader sentiment that rural families feel overlooked by district decisions.
Enrollment trends and financial pressures
Superintendent Scott Cochran presented the district’s data, noting that both Zela and Birch River each serve fewer than 100 students. He explained that the schools cost more per student annually than larger campuses, a result of fixed building‑maintenance expenses that have not declined despite shrinking enrollment.
Over the past decade, Nicholas County’s total student enrollment has dropped 20.7%, falling to 789 students. This decline translates into a loss of roughly $2 million in state funding, a financial strain that the district must address.
Potential impact on students
Andrew Thomas, principal of Zela Elementary, highlighted the practical consequences for families if the schools close. Students would be reassigned to the new Summersville Pre‑K‑8 school at Glade Creek, which is still under construction. “Before consolidation, some of our students already spend two hours each day on a bus. With the additional travel to Glade Creek, some children may spend close to three hours a day riding on a bus,” Thomas warned. He estimated that a student could spend up to 15 hours a week, about 60 hours a month, and at least 450 hours over a school year commuting.
Board’s next steps
The board has not yet voted on the closures. After hearing testimony from parents, educators and the superintendent, members indicated they would continue to evaluate the financial data, enrollment projections and community impact before making a final decision. The meeting underscored the tension between fiscal responsibility and the desire to maintain accessible, local schools for families across the county.
Community response
Local residents expressed a mix of concern and resolve. Many emphasized the importance of keeping schools within walking distance for younger children and preserving the role schools play as community hubs. Others acknowledged the district’s budget challenges but urged the board to explore alternatives, such as shared services or targeted grant funding, before resorting to closures.
As the debate continues, the Nicholas County Board of Education has pledged to keep the public informed and to hold additional hearings if needed, ensuring that families have a voice in the outcome.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
