A Caldwell County school with more than 100 years of history could close next year. Kings Creek School has lost 30% of its enrollment over the past five years, and district leaders say only seven kindergarten students are enrolled this school year.
Only seven kindergarten students are enrolled this year, according to the district.
It is not the news that Michelle Conley and her children wanted to hear about Kings Creek School. She, along with her grandmother, mother and children, all attended the school east of Lenoir, and she doesn’t believe it should close.
“It hit hard,” Conley said. “This is our community. This is where my kids want to go to school. They don’t want to switch schools. They love the teachers here.”
The school district said there are only 120 students in grades K-8, 52 fewer than five years ago. Parts of the current building were built in 1946, and the school is equipped to hold 358 students. A recent study found the school will need $2.4 million for repairs and replacements over the next 10 years.
“It’s just sad to even think that we’re going to have to put our kids somewhere else further from home,” said parent Christine Kirby.
Before the school board can make a decision, it plans to hold community meetings and a public hearing.
Parents hope district leaders will consider keeping it open.
“I’m just scared of them having to go to another school,” said grandmother Tegina Reid. “My kids went here. My grandson goes here, and he doesn’t want to change schools.”
The school district said part of the enrollment decline is due to fewer children being born each year in Caldwell County.
A decision on Kings Creek is not expected until early next year.
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