CAIRO – The Grady County Board of Education made the historic decision to phase out Northside Elementary School at Tuesday night’s meeting following the recommendation of Superintendent Dr. Eric McPhee.
“The decision we made tonight was not based on emotion, because for people who live in the area, go to school there, and have grandparents who go to school there, school closures “Because we all know that is the worst thing to do,” he said. We've been hit by an increase in premiums and benefits costs, which are $10,000 more per employee per year than just a year ago.
“And all of that has to come from local funds. With local funds, there is a limit to how much tax money can be collected.”
Northside has about 350 students and will be reorganized into a new school next year. The move will allow the school system to utilize more classroom space and consolidate resources available at other schools.
“They have already been assigned a home,” McPhee said. “Every school is increasing capacity, but no one is at capacity. Eastside has 950 seats, but even with the kids coming in, we still haven't even reached 700 seats.”
The school board's decision to close would not have been possible without the passionate testimony of school board members, including Teresa Hardy.
“My first job as a teacher was at Northside Elementary School. I was sworn to do what was best for all the children in Grady County. When you take the emotion out of it and look at it, the numbers make sense. “We see one thing: It makes sense to do what we're going to do,” she said.
Northside teachers and administrative staff whose contracts were renewed next school year were also assigned new jobs.
“No one will lose their job as a result of school closures,” McPhee said.
The Grady County Board of Education plans to use the facility as an administrative center.
