UPPER MARLBORO, Md. -- The Prince George's County Board of Education on Thursday unanimously approved a plan that will close eight schools and save the system almost $6 million.
It came after two months of changes and debate, but there was little more debate before the vote Thursday night.
Board members removed some schools off the closure list because they were fairly close to student capacity, had good academic records and were in acceptable physical condition.
Students attending schools set to be closed will be sent to nearby schools or others with room. The closed schools will be maintained; school officials have suggested that the buildings could be used for specialty programs like language immersion.
Board members said the plan would make it possible for students in less-affluent parts of the county to have access to programs that have often been concentrated elsewhere.
"The reason for the consolidations was never about cost," said Vice Chairman Ron Watson. "It was about capacity, it was about access and it was about programs."
The proposal saves $5.8 million in the coming fiscal year and cuts more than 100 jobs, including eight principals, six assistant principals and 20 classroom teachers. The jobs of many support staff, including guidance counselors and custodians, will also be eliminated.
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It is uncertain whether the employees would be laid off or reassigned to vacant positions.
Since it was introduced in January, the closure plan has evolved in response to several public hearings and major shifts in the fiscal outlook as federal, state and county decisions have buffeted the school system's $1.6 billion annual budget.
School board members expressed a sense of relief and triumph at the final vote.
"I know that this conversation has been quite difficult," said Chairman Verjeana M. Jacobs. "It's very emotional for me because I really believe that it's the right decision. I know that sometimes you can't see that rainbow at the end of the tunnel right away, but it's there, and, parents, we are going to walk through the tunnel together."
