Garrett County May Close 2 Elementary Schools

OAKLAND, Md. (AP) -- The interim superintendent of schools in Garrett County is recommending two elementary schools be closed due to a lack of state funding.

The Cumberland Times-News reports Sue Waggoner recommended Tuesday that Dennett Road and Kitzmiller elementary schools be closed. The county stands to lose $1.5 million in state assistance in fiscal year 2012 and potentially $2.5 million in fiscal year 2013.

Waggoner says closing Dennett Road would save $1.2 million and closing Kitzmiller would save nearly $280,000, though the board of education would need to add more than $170,000 in unemployment compensation to its budget as a result.

The board will vote on the recommendation at a special meeting on April 24.

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