Parker Elementary School (Photo: Google Maps)
CORTLAND, N.Y. — After more than a year of public hearings and negotiations, the Cortland Enlarged City School District Board of Education has voted to close both Virgil and Parker elementary schools.
The school board passed a resolution at its meeting Tuesday night to close both schools at the end of the 2018-2019 school year.
Parents of students at both schools will be receiving letters announcing the closure, the district said in a statement.
After a lengthy process, last night the BOE passed a resolution to close both Virgil and Parker Elementary Schools at the close of the 2018-2019 school. A letter will be coming home today. #WeAreCortland #WorkHardBeKind
— Parker Elem School (@CECSD_Parker) June 6, 2018
In November 2017, the district announced it would be assessing its school buildings, which included the possibility of closing Parker Elementary School. Virgil Elementary School was later added to that list.
At a public hearing in February, dozens of concerned parents, teachers, students, and community members voiced their concerns over the impact the closures would have on their community.
The district has maintained that the closings are an unfortunate measure that needs to be taken due to declining enrollment and fiscal stress.
