District leaders described the decision as a financial necessity, citing the need for extensive repairs to the school's roof and air conditioning system, with a price tag of $3 million.
Wilton students will now be assigned to other schools, a move that has upset many families.
"Wilton has been on the chopping block multiple times, and we've always been able to save it because it is such a remarkable and unique school in Granville County," said Liz Gallops, a parent of a Wilton student. "It's so frustrating that today the school board didn't recognize the brilliance that is Wilton."
Credle Elementary School in Oxford also faced the possibility of closing, but the board did not take action on that historic school during Tuesday night's meeting.
This isn't the first time the school district has closed schools in an effort to cut costs.
In November 2024, school leaders voted in favor of closing three schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year:
- Butner-Stem Middle School
- GC Hawley Middle School
- Granville Central High
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