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It’s disappointing to learn the School Building Authority will fund only $2.64 million, falling short by $4 million anticipated for construction of a new Marsh Fork Elementary School.
Granted, the SBA has limited funds that have to be spread over projects statewide, and all budgets are tight right now, but it’s especially distressing to see this particular plan fall into jeopardy.
Marsh Fork is one of those rare close-knit small towns with a strong sense of community. Nowhere did we see that more evident than in the Montcoal mine disaster. The school itself became a vital gathering place for media and officials relaying information and keeping us all informed of what was unfolding.
An elementary school in such a community provides a unique foundation for children. The school and community are closely linked. Children learn not only the basic educational skills, they learn how to relate to others in an area where everybody knows everybody else. That kind of a school environment gives children a sense of place and personal identity.
That’s a commodity that has been sacrificed in order to provide students with greater opportunities through consolidation. At bigger schools, there’s more money for equipment and teaching aids. However, students find themselves swimming in a larger pool and may never have the opportunity to develop that spirit of unity that comes in a smaller school.
In doing its research to determine whether it was feasible to build a new school at Marsh Fork, the Raleigh County Board of Education found plenty of reasons to do so. They were hopeful that pledging $1 million in county funds, coupled with a $1 million commitment from Massey Coal and a $10,400 contribution raised by the Coal River Mountain Watch, that the SBA would be able to finance the remainder of the $8 million project.
With the announcement Monday that the SBA cannot provide the requested amount came word from SBA executive director Dr. Mark Manchin this decision was not a death knell for the project.
He said he plans to meet with the county to determine if there are any other viable outside funding sources.
Let’s hope there will be supporters who will take up the gauntlet and make sure the community gets a new elementary school.
We know from years of watching the Marsh Fork community pull together its residents will do everything possible to help make that happen. However, they can’t do it alone.
This is the time for those who value the advantages of small towns and smaller schools to step up and support Marsh Fork Elementary.
