School Board Halts Ellerbe Middle Closure Study After Community Pushback

Richmond County Board of Education rescinds proposed closure plan for northern county's only middle school

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A softly blurred, atmospheric photograph of an empty school hallway, with warm pools of light and color creating a dreamlike, nostalgic mood that captures the emotional weight of a potential school closure.The community's passionate defense of Ellerbe Middle School reflects the deep emotional ties and practical concerns that surround school closure decisions.Hamlet Today

The Richmond County Board of Education voted 4-3 to rescind a proposed closure study for Ellerbe Middle School after facing strong opposition from community members. Residents expressed concerns about the potential loss of the only middle school serving the northern part of the county, as well as issues around transparency, public engagement, and the scope of options being considered.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the challenges facing school districts across North Carolina as they grapple with declining enrollment, funding pressures, and difficult consolidation decisions. The community's vocal opposition demonstrates the importance of transparent processes and fully exploring all options to avoid the unintended consequences of school closures on students and families.

The details

The board initially approved the closure study at a March work session, citing budget constraints and a need to reduce spending. However, at the April meeting, Ellerbe residents filled the room to voice their concerns. Community members, including Brett and Olivia Webb and Michael Puckett, criticized the lack of transparency, questioned whether all options were being considered, and raised issues around transportation impacts for students. Superintendent Dr. Joe Ferrell acknowledged mistakes in the initial presentation and outlined potential consolidation scenarios, but the board ultimately voted to halt the Ellerbe Middle closure study.

  • The Richmond County Board of Education voted on Tuesday, April 19, 2026 to rescind the proposed closure study for Ellerbe Middle School.
  • The board initially approved the closure study at a work session meeting on March 24, 2026.

The players

Richmond County Board of Education

The governing body responsible for overseeing the public school district in Richmond County, North Carolina.

Brett Webb

A community member who created a petition with over 1,200 signatures supporting keeping Ellerbe Middle School open and raised concerns about the closure study process.

Olivia Webb

A community member who criticized the lack of transparency and public engagement in the closure study process, and called on the board to prioritize the welfare of children.

Michael Puckett

A community member who expressed concerns about the potential transportation and academic impacts of closing Ellerbe Middle School.

Dr. Joe Ferrell

The superintendent of the Richmond County School District, who acknowledged mistakes in the initial presentation of the closure study and outlined potential consolidation scenarios.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What we are seeing is a plan built almost entirely around reductions, not on solutions. If the only path being explored is cutting, then we're not solving the problem— we're simply managing for decline.”

— Brett Webb, Community Member

“This board has a statutory obligation to place the welfare of children at the center of any consolidation or closure study. The language and data presented so far do not reflect that obligation.”

— Olivia Webb, Community Member

“Now, unless the school is going to start later, these students are going to have to get up at least a half an hour to an hour earlier to get the bus back to that site.”

— Michael Puckett, Community Member

What’s next

The Richmond County Board of Education has been encouraged to bring forward new ideas for future studies to address the district's financial and enrollment challenges. Board members warned that difficult decisions may still be necessary, and that delaying action could lead to state intervention if the district's finances continue to deteriorate.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the importance of transparent, community-driven processes when school districts face tough choices about consolidation or closures. The vocal opposition from Ellerbe residents demonstrates the need for districts to fully explore all options and prioritize the welfare of students, even in the face of financial pressures. Moving forward, the Richmond County Board of Education will need to find a balanced approach that addresses the district's challenges while maintaining the trust and support of the local community.