The Switzerland of Ohio Board of Education has made the decision to suspend grades 9-12 at Beallsville High School, effective from the next academic year, a move that has left many students and parents in shock. The board’s unanimous vote on Thursday was prompted by a significant decline in enrollment, with only 47 students in high school grades this year.
Local parent Dove Winkler expressed her disappointment, stating, “I’m ashamed that they took my daughter’s senior year away from her. We’ve stayed because we love this school and our community. It’s the heart of our town; our town is going to be gone.” Junior Ryan Dornon reiterated the unexpected nature of the closure, noting a lack of prior rumors about the decision despite past threats to close the school. “It’s terrible. I mean, out of nowhere,” he added.
Despite the distress, Superintendent Phil Ackerman believes that this move might provide students with better academic and extracurricular opportunities at Monroe Central or River high schools. “I think they’ll have more opportunities in each of those areas… academically, in terms of what they’ll be able to engage in at the high school,” Ackerman said.
While preschool through eighth grade will still be accommodated at the Beallsville campus, which features a new building inaugurated in 2012, there is concern among local stakeholders. Head football coach Dave Wiles has expressed skepticism about the financial implications of closing the high school, highlighting that the district may not save money despite having fewer students.
As the current school year comes to an end, students like Dornon are grappling with the closure’s emotional impact and uncertainty about their future education. “I won’t get to graduate from it,” he lamented, reflecting on the unique journey he had since starting kindergarten in the new school.
The board has promised to keep students informed about the impending changes, with further details anticipated next week. This situation evidences the challenges faced by small rural school districts, balancing financial realities with the deep-rooted community ties that educational institutions foster.
Although the closure is undoubtedly a difficult transition for many, it may also pave the way for new pathways and possibilities for students as they seek opportunities at larger schools with more resources.