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Forest City, N.C. — At a charged special-called meeting Monday evening, the Rutherford County Board of Education took its first public steps toward closing multiple schools in response to a $6 million budget shortfall. While the board did not vote to close the Rutherford Opportunity Center (ROC)—an alternative school serving at-risk students in grades 6–12—it did vote to move forward with public hearings for two additional schools: Mt. Vernon-Ruth Elementary and Rutherford Early College High School.
During the public hearing at the meeting, dozens of speakers shared personal stories, academic statistics, and urgent pleas for board members to preserve what many described as “lifelines” for vulnerable youth.
Here are 10 key takeaways from Monday’s meeting—plus 5 things to watch when the board reconvenes Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Ten takeaways from Monday’s school board meeting
1. The ROC is still open, for now
No final vote was taken on the closure of the Rutherford Opportunity Center. The board heard from more than 20 speakers, including current students, recent graduates, teachers, and parents. The consensus: ROC fills a gap no other school can.
2. Two more schools are now on the chopping block
In a separate motion, the board voted to initiate the closure consideration process for Mt. Vernon-Ruth Elementary School and Rutherford Early College High School, both of which now face their own public hearings.
3. Emotional testimony took center stage
From tears to applause, the meeting turned deeply personal. Former ROC students described the school as the reason they graduated—some even credited it with keeping them out of jail. Teachers spoke of trauma-informed care and high academic success rates.
4. ROC’s graduation and college attendance numbers appear impressive, but the data is worth a deeper dive
Lindsey Morgan, who oversees the Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) program at ROC, said their graduation rate is 100%, with college enrollment at 75%—the highest in the state. However, state records show a “declining” trend.
5. The public blamed both state and local leaders
Multiple speakers pointed to chronic underfunding by the state and alleged bias by county commissioners who have ties to charter and private schools.
6. Critics cited spending decisions by the school district
At least one speaker criticized the hiring of 52 teachers using one-time county COVID funds, arguing that the district was warned those funds would not recur annually.
7. Supporters pleaded for one more year
Teachers and parents asked the board to petition county commissioners for a $2 million extension to keep ROC open for the 2025–26 school year and give current students closure.
8. School closures won’t fix the full shortfall
Several speakers noted that closing ROC would save some money, but not nearly enough to erase the entire $6 million budget gap. “Even if you closed every elementary school in the county, you wouldn’t close that funding gap,” one advocate said.
9. The board acknowledged the weight of Iis decision
“I know this has not been an easy season,” said one board member in prayer. “Decisions tonight will deeply affect our students and their families.”
10. The fight for public education is far from over
Many speakers saw the closures not just as financial measures, but as part of a broader ideological battle over the future of public schools. As one teacher said, “We are witnessing a systemic dismantling of public education in our county.”
Five things to watch at the next public hearings
1. Public hearings set for two more schools
The board will hold required public hearings for Mt. Vernon-Ruth Elementary and Rutherford Early College High School on Thursday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. Community members will again have three minutes each to speak, but may bring printed materials to share if the time expires.
2. Potential for a vote on any closures
While no vote was taken Monday, the board could take action on one or more closures Thursday, especially given the urgency to finalize the budget before the new fiscal year begins July 1.
3. Strong turnout expected
Following Monday night’s turnout and raw testimony, community response is likely to grow. Parents, teachers, alumni, and students are organizing to defend all three schools.
4. Questions about redistricting and enrollment
Expect public questions about student reassignments, transportation logistics, and whether redistricting options are being considered before permanent closures.
5. Increased pressure on county commissioners
Several speakers demanded the Board of Education formally request additional funds from the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners. Whether such a move is considered Thursday may shape the county’s long-term education strategy.
As the board weighs its next steps, the future of three distinct educational communities hangs in the balance. More than just budget line items, each school represents a promise made to students—and a choice about what kind of public education Rutherford County wants to offer its children.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for the public hearings. Stay tuned.
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