Residents of Districts 4 and 5 expressed deep concerns during a recent government meeting regarding the long-awaited promise of a new elementary school in their area. Many community members, including a local resident who has lived in the district for 45 years, voiced their frustration over the extended bus rides their children endure to attend Randolph Elementary School, which is nearly 70 years old.

The resident highlighted the emotional toll of having to send children on lengthy commutes, stating, \"It's heartbreaking... I just need to understand if my grandchildren are ever going to be able to have a neighborhood school to go to.\" The sentiment echoed throughout the meeting, as attendees lamented the lack of a local school despite the area being designated for growth.

In response, school officials acknowledged the aging infrastructure of both Randolph and Byrd Elementary Schools and discussed the challenges posed by the county's vast geography. They noted that while there are plans for capital improvements, including the renewal of existing schools, the prospect of a new school remains uncertain, with estimates suggesting it could take up to 15 years before a new facility is constructed.

Superintendent remarks indicated that the current capital improvement plan spans 25 to 28 years, and while there is potential for a new school, it would likely involve consolidating existing facilities rather than adding new ones. The officials also pointed out that the growth in the area has not translated into a proportional increase in school enrollment, complicating the planning process.

The discussion underscored the community's desire for a local school that would alleviate the burden of long commutes and fulfill promises made decades ago. As the meeting concluded, residents were left with lingering questions about the future of education in their rapidly growing district.