A public hearing held Wednesday evening gave Vance County Schools leadership and members of the school board a chance to discuss and explain the plan currently underway to close two elementary schools.
Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett spent about a half hour to lay out reasons why New Hope Elementary and Carver Elementary are being considered for closure.
Long story short, it’s a matter of low enrollment, aging buildings and funding.
The Vance County Board of Education has been discussing this possibility since its October 2025 retreat, according to remarks made by Bennett at the public hearing, which took place at the schools’ central services location on Graham Avenue.
Bennett said there were meetings at the two schools on Tuesday evening so school leaders could have a chance to hear from parents about the plans in store for the schools.
Just more than 20 years ago, there were close to 8,000 students enrolled in Vance County Schools; in 2024-25, that number was 4,913, Bennett said.
This year, there are 123 students in grades PK – 5 at Carver; New Hope has 108 students.
It comes down to funding, Bennett said. The school district relies on local, state and federal funds to keep its schools open, and state funding follows the students. So if students leave traditional public schools for charter schools, that per-pupil-expenditure goes with the student.
Parents have multiple options, Bennett said, including charter schools, private schools and home schooling.
Bennett cited data indicating that out of 8,194 school-aged children in Vance County, 4,113 are enrolled in Vance County Schools.
“Parents and families have more options than ever,” Bennett said. “Every family has the right to make the best choice for their children.”
If plans to close and consolidate proceed, New Hope students will be sent to Dabney Elementary. Carver students will go to E.O. Young Elementary.
Bennett stressed that schools employees would have job security, adding that nobody would be out of a job if the two schools close.
“We are trying to find the best possible option for all in the district so that we have financial stability in a time of declining enrollment and declining funding,” Bennett said.
CLICK PLAY!
