Crichton Elementary School faces potential closure

QUINWOOD, WV (WVNS) — Crichton Elementary is not only a school nestled in the backroads of Quinwood, but a place filled with memories from generations.

When the news broke of Greenbrier County Schools possibly closing the door of the school, backlash followed. Multiple parents of students and former alumni flocked to social media to express their concern. A petition was even posted in hopes of gaining signatures.

Superintendent Jeff Bryant told 59News that the decision is still up in the air, but he has responsibilities to uphold for Greenbrier County Schools.

Bryant says as enrollment drops, so do the funds available for schools.

“My duty and responsibility as a superintendent of this county is to make sure that we’re financially solvent. You know, we’re not allowed to go into debt. We’re not,” said Bryant.

The decision will be on the agenda for an upcoming School Board meeting on October 8th at 6 P.M. Bryant said the decision is not final, but the Board does have to plan for the future.

“They have the lowest enrollment in the county. They have been at that point for many, many years. We know people would be very upset. But again, it’s not a definite closure. It’s just we have to start the process,” said Bryant.

The Board meeting will be held at the Kyle & Ann Fort Arts & Sciences Building in Lewisburg. The final decision would take place at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

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