When closing a school means losing a town’s only hub and gathering place: Corrine H. Hurt

NASHVILLE, Ohio - What does it mean to lose a school? For Nashville, Ohio — a town of just 197 people in northwest Holmes County — it means dismantling a lifeline that supports its most vulnerable children, widening educational gaps, and a future of higher costs for everyone. Nashville Elementary School is more than just a school; it is a community hub that provides critical support for children and families who already face significant economic challenges. Closing it as part of a plan to consolidate all West Holmes elementary schools into one building by 2026 would be a costly mistake.

Nashville isn't a wealthy community. The median household income here is around $43,000 — far below Ohio's average of $62,000. More than half of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, reflecting the real economic struggles facing many families. In nearby towns, the average incomes are higher - Millersburg at $58,000 and Killbuck at $53,000. For a town with fewer than 200 residents, these disparities are deeply felt.

Closing a school in a small town like Nashville has outsized consequences. Research shows that economically disadvantaged students are 2.4 times more likely to drop out of high school and 3.5 times more likely to end up incarcerated . In Nashville, this means that, each year, five to six students risk dropping out, and one to two of them may face incarceration. For a town this size, losing even one student to the justice system is a tragedy.

But the impact goes beyond numbers. The nearest full-service grocery store is eight miles away, making it difficult for many families to access fresh food regularly. Without Nashville Elementary, the only local playground, sports field, and community center would vanish. For Nashville, losing this school is more than losing a place of learning; it's losing the last safe space for children to play, grow, and connect.

Despite these challenges, the people of Nashville are fighting back. A Literacy Night at the school last year brought together parents, teachers, and neighbors in a show of support and solidarity for their children's future. The community recognizes that Nashville Elementary is not just a school but the heart of the town. Closing it would shatter this spirit of determination and leave a void not easily filled.

These are not just statistics; they reflect real lives in a tight-knit community. One of my closest friends in school, a former Nashville Elementary student, has spent the last 20 years in and out of the justice system. His story is a stark reminder of what happens when a small town loses its ability to support its youth. I know these challenges personally — I was almost one of those kids at risk. The gaps in my education drove me to pursue a doctorate in education, determined to create better opportunities for students like those at Nashville Elementary.

Closing Nashville Elementary isn't just a cost-cutting measure; it is a decision that would have long-term consequences for an entire community. It would cut off opportunities for education, social engagement, and healthy living in a town where these opportunities are already limited.

I urge parents, educators, community leaders, and concerned citizens to take a stand. Attend the next school board meeting, write to representatives, and make your voices heard. Nashville Elementary may be a small school in a small town, but its impact is enormous. Keeping it open is an investment in the future of Nashville and its children.

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