Article Preview

Local officials share opinions on future of county schools

By Jason R. Mullins

As Carter County’s elected officials on the board of education and the county commission seek answers to the problems of increasing budgets, state and federal mandates and overcrowding, some leaders believe consolidation of schools may provide relief to the school system.

Over the past month, School Board members Kelly Crain and Rusty Barnett and County Commissioner Steve Lowrance have spoken to the Elizabethton STAR regarding their thoughts on the future of education in Carter County. Their comments on the issue come as the Carter County Schools Long-Range Facilities Planning Team are concluding their work on the development of scenarios and a strategic plan to be presented to the school board, county commission and the public in the coming months.