Richmond County Schools Possibly Closing

Austin talks about closing several well-known Richmond County schools.

Transcription:

AUSTIN: Some sad but totally understandable news about several Richmond County schools this morning. I've just confirmed that recommendations are in from a consulting firm that have been shared with Richmond County trustees. They call for the closing of several well-known and beloved schools in the interest of efficiency, consolidation and cost reduction.

Two of the several that are being suggested for closure are close to my heart John Tutt Middle School and Glen Hills High School. I'm a proud Tutt alum, eighth and ninth grade. Back in those days, we call that junior high school. And of course, my beloved Aunt Kay graduated from Glen Hills in 1973. Glen Hills is also where my wife began her teaching career 26 years ago.

The recommendations of the consulting firm have not yet been voted on or approved by the Board of Education. Knowing the methodology of the consulting firm and the goal of better serving our students, it's impossible right now to argue that painful adjustments all over the system are going to have to be made. I mean, it's just something that has to happen.

I saw this happen with my own elementary school, National Hills Elementary, a few years ago. And to add to the nostalgia there, back in 1997, my own daughter attended first grade in that very same classroom where I did in 1971, and it is closed forever. This isn't so much a call to action, announcing these moves, or the suggestion that they be made. As much as it is a heads up as to what lies ahead, the path to progress and evolution is leaving behind what we've outgrown. It really is as simple as that.

We'll be hearing more about specifics shortly on this plan. Other tough decisions lay ahead for elected officials, and no doubt there will be efforts to save the schools that I've just mentioned. But I just wanted to let you know the tough decisions are ahead. God bless our elected officials as they make these decisions and may wisdom guide them. It's a sad day, but time marches on and that's the comment, I'm Austin Rhodes, AM 580/95.1 FM News Talk WGAC.