Asheville Schools Prepare for Potential Consolidation Study Amid Community Concerns

Asheville Schools Face Possible Consolidation Study

As Asheville, North Carolina, gears up for an intriguing new school year, a cloud of uncertainty looms over the educational landscape. The question on many minds is whether Buncombe County Schools (BCS) and Asheville City Schools (ASC) will merge. A state-mandated consolidation study is set to get underway in April 2024, costing the county over $300,000 from its general fund. This study is directing quite a bit of attention and conversation among educators, parents, and local officials alike.

Background on the Situation

Interestingly, this consolidation study wasn’t even on the radar for local school boards or community leaders until it was introduced by the state general assembly as part of a deal involving electoral district lines. Commissioner Amanda Edwards from Buncombe County expressed her surprise, stating, “Our two school boards, the county, nobody was asking for a consolidation study to occur.” She raised concerns that the implications of the study could have far-reaching effects throughout the community.

Bringing in the Experts

To conduct this study, the county has enlisted Prismatic Services Inc., a firm based in Charlotte. Prismatic’s founder, Dr. Tatia Prieto, is at the helm of the investigation, stating, “We’ve done over 90 interviews, 34 school visits, six focus groups last week with 55 participants. We’ve had lots of good input already.” The study aims to explore whether merging the schools is beneficial as both districts are currently experiencing declining enrollment.

The Enrollment Dilemma

Prieto mentioned, “Both of these districts seem to be facing declining enrollment,” indicating a trend that some believe is not wholly tied to the pandemic alone. The firm is also delving into what a consolidation might look like in practice. For example, they’ve found that some central office jobs might be consolidated or lost, with ASC possibly becoming just one department within BCS. “The only difference on the surface that people might see is that two central offices consolidate into one,” Prieto noted.

Community Reaction and Concerns

Many in the community have started to voice their thoughts. For instance, a survey conducted by the Buncombe County Educators’ Association revealed that 47% of staff members from both ACS and BCS would need more information before supporting a potential consolidation. Questions abound regarding the potential impacts on budgets, staffing, and programming, with BCAE President Shanna Peele emphasizing the need for a lot more transparency.

Listening to the Public

Starting in September, Prismatic will host public input sessions, which are seen as crucial in gauging community feelings about the consolidation. Prieto remarked, “When you’re looking at big changes like that, whether or not the local population wants it and supports it plays hugely into whether or not it’s successful.” This sentiment aligns with Asheville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman, who noted that community feedback turns abstract numbers into real-life narratives about student experiences.

The Future is Still Uncertain

By the end of December, Prismatic is expected to present its findings and recommendations to both the county commission and the school districts. These insights will then shape how BCS and ASC will respond to the general assembly’s directives. Commissioner Edwards expressed her concerns that the best interests of students might not always be at the forefront of decisions made by authorities. “We know that the study and recommendation could say one thing, and the General Assembly decides something completely different,” she remarked.

Your Voice Matters

The community eagerly waits for more information and will have opportunities to express their thoughts in the upcoming public sessions. For those looking to contribute to this important dialogue about educational futures in Asheville, feedback can be sent via email for consideration. As this situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the voices of community members—parents, educators, and students alike—are integral to shaping the decision-making process.