After serving the Sand Mountain community for more than a century, Flat Rock School will close its doors at the end of the current academic year. The Jackson County Board of Education voted unanimously on Wednesday to close the Pre-K through sixth-grade school, citing financial strain, staffing challenges, and declining enrollment as key reasons for the decision.
The closure comes after weeks of heated discussion and concern among Flat Rock residents, many of whom had rallied to keep their only community school open. Despite public outcry, the board moved forward with the decision, pointing to unsustainable costs and limited educational resources as driving factors.
Flat Rock currently enrolls just 64 students, with an average daily membership (ADM) of 62. The school operates on a $1.7 million budget, which breaks down to $27,037.23 per student. The average cost per student under the Child Nutrition Program is $17,731.63—a number the school board deemed excessive compared to county averages.
In addition to the financial burden, the school has faced ongoing staffing challenges. Teachers at Flat Rock have been responsible for covering multiple grades and subjects, with many instructing as many as five different classes. The school has also been operating without a full-time counselor, further limiting support services for students.
The board and Superintendent Jason Davidson indicated that the closure is a necessary step in being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all students in Jackson County.
Students currently enrolled at Flat Rock will complete the school year as scheduled. Starting in the fall, they will be reassigned to neighboring schools, including Rosalie Elementary, Pisgah High School, and North Sand Mountain High School.
The decision has left many in the Flat Rock community heartbroken, with some residents expressing deep concern about the loss of a local institution that has served generations. The school, affectionately known as “Home of the Vikings,” has been a staple of the town for over 120 years.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
