Community fights to keep Paint Rock Valley High open

There is a fight to keep a local high school open.

Jackson Co. Schools wants to close Paint Rock Valley High.

Parents argue the district is not taking into account the strain closing the school will put on students.

At the K through 12 school staff, is limited with only about eight teachers.  

Enrollment is declining and the district says financially, it cannot keep up with operations.

“I do not feel the students are getting the same opportunities that they do at the Skyline School, the Woodville School, ” said Jackson Co. Schools Superintendent Kevin Dukes.

10 years ago enrollment was at 148, now, it is half, with only 79 students.

Five are seniors with zero completed course work at Christmas break.

Classes are double grade in elementary, combining 1st and 2nd, 3rd and 4th and 5th and 6th.

High School teachers are teaching double subjects.

“The teachers are having to double up even though they’ve got fewer students. So those teachers are going from 5 preps to 10 preps per day, ” said Dukes.

Transportation is a huge factor for parents.

If Paint Rock closes, schools zones at Skyline and Woodville would expand.

I was told by one parent some students already have an hour commute. That commute would expand another 1/2 hour.

“I don’t see that we gone gain anything on this issue right here, ” said Mike Sisk. 

Parents also cite the history behind Paint Rock Valley saying family members from generations ago traveled miles away, carrying rocks to build the school.

“Too much is at risk if they close it, ” said Steven Lewis.
 
Lewis, his wife and children live down the road from the school. He too is concerned about commuting, especially during storms.

“If they go to Skyline because you have to go up and down the mountain, ” said Lewis. 
 
The district admits Paint Rock Valley has been neglected, but says funding at other schools could be cut, if the school remains open.

“We just continue to fight this, ” said Sisk.

Jackson Co. Schools will host a public meeting next Tuesday, April 25.

Proposals to close Paint Rock Valley High have been happening for decades.

Superintendent Kevin Dukes says this is the first time the proposal has actually made it to a vote.