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At the regular School Board meeting on Monday January 8, 2024, the school board announced that it was facing a severe deficet in funding from budget cuts passed down by the State. The breakdown of the budget cuts presented at the school board meeting can be viewed here, starting at the 27:15 minute mark on the video.

The school board's options on how to handle these cuts can be viewed at the 39:39 mark on the same video. 

Dear Franklin County Parents, Students, and Community Members,

Franklin County Public Schools has recently been informed to expect a $3.7 million reduction in state funding for the 2024-2025 school year.  The School Board has been working closely with the Franklin County Board of Supervisors, Delegate Will Davis, and Senator Bill Stanley to identify possible solutions for this reduction in state funding.  If no solution can be found, the School Board will need to consider a variety of expenditure reductions that could include the closure of up to three elementary schools, combining elementary and secondary bus routes, reducing the number of personnel, and eliminating non-required programs.  

Evergreen Solutions, LLC conducted a large-scale efficiency study of Franklin County Public Schools during the 2022-2023 school year.  While Evergreen’s study specifically named Henry Elementary, Burnt Chimney Elementary, and Snow Creek Elementary for possible closure, there are a number of additional factors that must considered by the School Board.

No decisions have been made about school closures and the School Board will be discussing the consolidation recommendations along with other expenditure reduction options at future budget work sessions.  We understand how important our elementary schools are to their communities and we are carefully evaluating all options for reducing expenditures before this step is taken.  Should closure and consolidation be deemed necessary, a public hearing would be scheduled before a final decision is made.

Franklin County Public Schools expects to submit its formal budget request to the Franklin County Board of Supervisors on February 26, 2024. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Kevin W. Siers, Superintendent

Franklin County Public Schools