Hampton elementary school could close

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - Hampton City School officials are considering closing the doors of another school. The first of two public meetings was held Monday night to give parents a chance to voice their opinions on the possible closure of  Cary Elementary.

For parents and students Cary Elementary is a neighborly school.

"It's very family orientated," parent Becky Mielewski said.

A school where activities continue even after the last bell.

"I like Cary, because it's within walking distance," parent Camesha Carrenza added.

Carrenza has two children that go to Cary. She, like many other parents, is concerned about the future of the school. Officials are considering closing it down and moving the students elsewhere.

"I would be the first day of school all over again," Carrenza said. "Meeting new friends, if the friends they did meet here are not going to the same school."

Monday night, parents met with school system officials to hear first hand why the move might be necessary. According to Hampton Public Schools officials, the system has lost $31 million since 2008. Like other school systems, funding from the state has been reduced.

Closing Cary would save $900,000 a year.

"It's definitely not our choice to have to look at consolidating a school," Dr. Patricia Leary, with Hampton City Schools, said.

"When it comes to the expense of our schools, I don't think that money should be an issue," Mielewski added.

If closed, the plan is to move the 300 students at Cary to three nearby schools, mainly Merrimack Elementary, which is only a half a mile down the road.

"With them closing it down, granted there are a couple other schools nearby, but who is to say those classes aren't going to be more crowded now," Carrenza added.

Officials assured parents the plan calls for no increase to class sizes and no lay-offs for teachers. But lay-offs would come to principals, gym and art teachers.

If closed, Cary would become the fourth school to close in Hampton since 2010.

Many parents would like to pass on the plan and they know there's still a shot it might not happen.

"It's not something that should be taken away from the community or our kids," Mielewski added. "Kids are the most important thing."

The closing is just a recommendation. The next public meeting about the issue will be held November 10 at Syms Middle School, located at 170 Fox Hill Rd.,  from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

In December, the plan will be presented to the Hampton School Board and then will comeup for a vote.