Lawsuit alleges Bedford County school board violated state code in Stewartsville closure

Motion filed to stop the closure of Stewartsville Elementary School at the end of the school year

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:21am

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A motion has been filed in Bedford County Circuit Court asking for a judge to issue a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to stop Stewartsville Elementary School from being closed at the end of the school year. The lawsuit alleges that the Bedford County School Board did not follow Virginia State Code 22.1-79(8) by failing to provide proper public notice and hold a public hearing prior to voting to consolidate the school.

Why it matters

The closure of Stewartsville Elementary would impact students who would be moved to Goodview Elementary, including the child of the plaintiff, Ninth District Congressional candidate Joy Powers. Parents feel the decision was rushed and lacked proper public input, raising concerns about transparency and community engagement in the school board's decision-making process.

The details

The school board first considered closing Stewartsville Elementary in 2024 but voted it down. This year, the idea was brought up again during a March 5 budget meeting, and the board voted to close the school on March 12. Powers alleges there was not enough time between the budget meeting and the formal vote to properly advertise a public hearing as required by state law. She also submitted a FOIA request seeking documentation on the closure discussions, but was told there were no records from the past year.

  • The school board first considered closing Stewartsville Elementary in 2024 but voted it down.
  • On March 5, 2026, the idea of closing Stewartsville Elementary was brought up during a budget meeting.
  • On March 12, 2026, the school board voted to close Stewartsville Elementary at the end of the school year.
  • On March 19, 2026, a motion was filed in Bedford County Circuit Court asking for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to stop the closure.

The players

Joy Powers

Ninth District Congressional candidate and Goodview Elementary School parent who filed the motion to stop the closure of Stewartsville Elementary School.

Bedford County School Board

The school board that voted to close Stewartsville Elementary School, which is alleged to have violated state code in the process.

Jordan Karnes

Bedford County School Board member who represents the Stewartsville area and voted against the closure.

Matthew Holbrook

Bedford County School Board member who believes the board followed state code in the closure decision.

Alicia Botts

A Stewartsville Elementary parent whose child will be moved to Goodview Elementary due to the closure.

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What they’re saying

“In all reality, that vote should be completely voided.”

— Joy Powers, Ninth District Congressional candidate and Goodview Elementary School parent

“To me, it was completely void of any opportunity where we got to participate in the public process about our public property.”

— Joy Powers, Ninth District Congressional candidate and Goodview Elementary School parent

“It was extremely rushed. It was like you know, a last-minute, like here we go at the end of a meeting, and it just went straight into it.”

— Alicia Botts, Stewartsville Elementary parent

“To be honest with you, sir - I am not a lawyer, and I have no idea. I believe if we had not - it was not done with malice. I believe it was probably an actual mistake. And if we did follow the code, it means we did what we thought we were supposed to do.”

— Jordan Karnes, Bedford County School Board member

“No, I don't think so; no, I don't believe so. I mean, I think it was adequate time, you know, as far as the law says, anyhow; pretty short seven days, and that's what it was.”

— Matthew Holbrook, Bedford County School Board member

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant the temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to stop the closure of Stewartsville Elementary School.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of following proper procedures and providing adequate public notice and input when making decisions that impact a community, especially regarding the closure of public schools. The rushed nature of the school board's decision-making process has raised concerns about transparency and the ability of parents and residents to have their voices heard.