Backlash grows over Cumberland consolidation plans, parents & students weigh in

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Cumberland County school officials have approved a series of school consolidation recommendations that could close nine schools and shift others away from year-round calendars, sparking frustration and concern among families across the district.

The proposal, which district leaders say is driven by aging infrastructure and multimillion-dollar repair needs, could save more than $30 million and create improved learning spaces. But for many parents and students, the potential changes feel unsettling.

News of the possible closures and mergers has ignited backlash in the community. A "Keep year-round schools in Cumberland County" petition has drawn more than 400 signatures as parents push back against the plan.

At E.E. Miller Elementary School, which could transition from a year-round schedule to a traditional calendar, families say the impact would be significant.

"I think it's a terrible idea," said Alice Bennett, a parent with four children in Cumberland County schools.

Bennett has three children at E.E. Miller Elementary and another set to attend Anne Chesnutt Middle School. All of their schools are among those that could be affected.

"It's a lot of changes, and they're not good changes," she said.

Bennett said her greatest concern is the potential mental toll of changing schedules, particularly for her daughter.

"Traditional is hard. I have a child who has autism, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety, and she does so well being in school for nine weeks and then having that three-week break to get herself together," Bennett said.

She said her family previously experienced school consolidation while living in Wake County, adding to the stress of facing similar uncertainty again.

Students at E.E. Miller say they value their year-round calendar and worry about what a change could mean for them.

"The teachers are super nice, and they are very respected," said third grader Renato Cazarez.

"My teachers are very great," added fifth grader Brently Goad.

Gio Cazarez, a fifth-grader at the school, said he appreciates the built-in breaks.

"I get three weeks a break. I feel like it has. It's giving me time to relax," Gio said.

For some students, the prospect of change is difficult to accept.

"The idea of that, I very much disliked it," Renato said of a switch to a traditional calendar.

Gio, who has ADHD, said adapting would not be easy.

"It will be a little hard to get used to," he said.

Others in the community said they were caught off guard by the announcement.

"I just heard about it like three and a half minutes ago," said Johanna Slighter, a grandmother.

Parents say they are also frustrated by what they describe as limited communication from the district.

"Nobody's happy. No one is happy about the lack of information we received," said Brittany Williams, a parent at E.E. Miller Elementary.

Williams said she transferred her children from a traditional school to a year-round school specifically for the year-round option.

"It was alarming because we transferred our kids here from a traditional school. And one of the reasons why is because my daughter, who's in third grade, struggled in traditional school, we moved her here, and within six months, she went from being a failing student to being on a roll like she is thriving here," Williams said.

District officials say staff will begin implementing the approved recommendations in the coming months. Public forums are planned before any final decisions are made, though dates have not yet been announced.