Despite much talk of it being a possibility, officials with Limestone County Schools say talk of Piney Chapel and Elkmont elementary schools being combined is just that — talk.

“We haven’t got a plan, we haven’t made a plan, we haven’t put together a plan,” said LCS Superintendent Dr. Tom Sisk. “It’s a rumor.”

A post on the Facebook page “EES/Piney Chapel Parents & Grandparents Against the Move” alleges Limestone County Schools is evaluating a change to the schools by fall 2019. Piney Chapel would become a prekindergarten through second grade school. Grades 3–5 would go to Elkmont Elementary.

“That’s not true,” said Bret McGill, chairman of the Limestone County School Board.

McGill explained Sisk had met with the principal as part of an information-gathering session, something he said Sisk does regularly. McGill said district officials are looking at enrollment, district lines and other data.

“We’re trying to do some long-range planning,” he said. “I’m talking 5 or 10 years down the road.”

McGill said he thinks Elkmont needs an elementary school and there is a planning process for a capital plan, but the officials planning to consolidate the schools by fall of this year “is not an accurate statement.”

Board member Ronald Christ, who represents the Piney Chapel and Elkmont communities, said Tuesday afternoon the issue had never been discussed at a board meeting or work session during his time on the board. In his opinion, the idea is shortsighted.

“It would only make minor differences to each school,” he said. “… These communities deserve better solutions to their problems.”

The board was set to meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, after The News Courier’s press time.

Community response

As the idea spread, many parents took to emailing and calling the central office, schools and officials. Christ said he personally heard from about a dozen community members.

“No one that I heard from was in favor of the change,” he said. “Many asked about the promised elementary school or made mention of difficulties getting kids to school.”

On social media, people called the idea “crazy” and said it “makes no sense” to have their families split between the schools. Christ said he was tagged to a post on the page. In a comment on the page, he thanked the page’s creators and contributors.

“One thing the board always needs and often does not get is community feedback,” he wrote. “… Be involved and not just about this issue.”