Clifton Elementary School to Close!

The efforts to save Clifton Elementary School have failed, as the Fairfax County School Board voted last night to close the school. Clifton Elementary School served those living in the small town of Clifton and the surrounding community for many years, and has received awards from the Commonwealth of Virginia for Educational Excellence. Now, 400 students will be moved from their small school to other area schools.

What surprised me was the vote of a school board member who represents the area? Springfield District School Board member, Liz Bradsher voted to CLOSE Clifton Elementary School. By doing this, she chose to ignore those in Clifton and the surrounding communities who benefit from this school. Delegate Tim Hugo (R-40) who represents the area expressed his disappointment in Bradsher’s vote.

“With her vote, School Board Member Liz Bradsher threw the children of Clifton and Fairfax County under the bus,” Hugo wrote.

“I am extremely disappointed by this decision, however, I would like to thank all members of the community for their hard work and dedication in the fight to save Clifton Elementary.”

Hopefully, voters will hold Bradsher accountable when she runs for re-election for her decision to close the school after the community petitioned her to save the school. Now, the school board will look at when Clifton Elementary will be closing. The earliest it could close would be after the 2010-2011 school year.