Controversial Vote Consolidates Montford North Star into Asheville Middle School
By a vote of 5-2, the Asheville City Schools Board of Education has elected to consolidate Montford North Star into Asheville Middle School.
Emotional Reactions
Tears were shed, voices were raised, and frustration was felt following Monday night’s decision. Montford North Star Academy parent Jennifer Gladden expressed her dismay, stating, “This is a school that is one of the highest and one of the only achieving schools in our district. They’re closing it.”
Community Response
A capacity crowd in support of Montford North Star left saddened by the vote to consolidate the school into Asheville Middle. Many are questioning if the decision will benefit the schools as a whole in the long run, with Gladden pointing out concerns about future closures.
Future Plans
The future of the Montford building has not been finalized, but discussions prior to the vote indicated a potential move of the ACS Education Career Academy (ECA) into the old Montford space. ACS Board of Education Chair George Sieburg defended the decision, believing it will create a more stable and strong district.
Parent’s Frustration
Despite Sieburg’s hopes, parents like Gladden find it challenging to support Asheville City Schools after the vote. “I don’t have the money to send my kids to private schools,” she expressed, “But this is making it really, really hard to stand by Asheville City Schools.”
Implementation Timeline
The consolidation will take effect at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, impacting students, parents, and faculty. The decision signals a significant change in the educational landscape of Asheville.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.
