Heidi Mays, a stay-at-home single mother of four, challenges school administrators to take a pay cut instead of closing Ryan School. | Clif Knight

“We are Ryan” was a chant Ryan School supporters used at the close of a public meeting Tuesday night to show their solidarity against a proposal made by the Morgan County School Board to close their school.

It was uttered in unison by about 125 parents, grandparents and other school patrons after 22 individuals vocalized reasons why they felt the school should remain open. Not a one of the speakers said they thought it was a good idea to close their school.

But their show of strength in numbers may not be enough to keep the school open. Superintendent Bill Hopkins said he would make a recommendation on the issue at the next regular school board meeting May 12. The final decision will be in the hands of the seven-member school board. If a decision is made to close the school it would be effective at the end of the current school term.

Hopkins said “no” when asked directly if he and the board have already made up their minds.

Before members of the audience were allowed to speak, central office department directors shared information about Ryan’s cost of operation, student test scores and bus transportation.

Chief financial officer John Godwin reported that closing Ryan would save the county

$535,000 to $495,000 in teacher salaries and $40,000 in operational expenses. He also pointed out that on average the school system spends $8,000 per year to educate a student, while the average at Ryan is $15,000.

“Ryan now has 11 state-paid teachers,” Godwin stated, “but that number would drop to five next school year based on anticipated funding from the state. Operating with five teachers Ryan would not be able to provide the instruction its students deserve.”

Ryan’s cafeteria is also operating with a deficit, according to child nutrition director Mary Beth Henry.

“Ryan was $13,000 in the red at the start of this school year,” Henry said.

One of two part-time worker positions was eliminated to reduce costs. However, there is a current negative balance of $12,986. We don’t have any other school cafeterias in the system operating with a deficit.”

Henry said 72 percent of Ryan’s 93 students qualify for free or reduced price lunches.

Transportation director Hank Summer ford said Ryan is served with two school buses, one of which averages hauling 30 to 35 students. He proposed the elimination of one of the buses should the school be closed, thus reducing fuel costs. He said some students would be required to ride a bus an hour and 25 minutes but pointed out that already some students attending other schools are on a bus for as long as an hour and 35 minutes.

Testing and school improvement director Mary Marquart reported that most Ryan students score below the national average on the Stanford Achievement Test. However, the school has made AYP under the “No Child Left Behind” law for the past five years.

The 22 supporters who spoke were passionate in their pleas to keep the school open.

“If this school closes, none of you will be re-elected,” said Jason Flack.

“It’s unsafe for our children to be driven up and down the mountains from here to Union Hill,” said Gaylon Busby. “It looks like Ryan is being discriminated against.”

“You are putting a big financial burden on us by requiring us to drive longer distances

to take our children to and from school, with gas nearing $4 per gallon,” stated John Knapp. “I build houses for a living and things are pretty tough now.”

Kayla Garrison said her mom taught at Ryan and helped establish a outdoor classroom. “She was here for the kids but you aren’t. “These kids need everyone they can get to help guide them in their education.”

”I don’t live in Morgan County but I drive my kids here because Ryan is the best school in this area,” stated Heidi Mays, a stay-at-home single mom. “My kids get extra help from teachers. I’m afraid if this school closes they’ll give up and quit.”

Several of the speakers suggested that administrators take a pay cut and use some of the money to keep Ryan open.