Nicholas County Schools consider closing two elementary schools

NICHOLAS COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The Nicholas County Board of Education is considering closing Birch River and Zela elementary schools and sending students to the new Summersville Pre-K through eighth grade set to open next fall.

Superintendent Scott Cochran said the proposal is due to dropping enrollment. The move could bring in around $1.8 million for student resources.

Parents and staff at Monday’s meeting voiced their concerns over longer bus routes.

“With the additional time travel to Glade Creek, some children may spend close to three hours a day riding on a bus. That can mean upwards of 15 hours a week, approximately 60 hours a month, and at least 450 hours over a school year on a bus,” said the Principal of Zela Elementary Andrew Thomas. “Over the six years they would attend elementary school at the new school, guess how many days? 112 and a half days on a bus.”

Nicholas County Schools said it plans to make a final decision during a special meeting on Nov. 10.