First at Five, October 6, 2008

AIKEN COUNTY, Ga.---The Richmond County school system is one step closer to deciding whether to shut down some of its schools. They've been talking about it since March and this week will decide on a time line.

Parent Brad Woodward has a daughter who just started school at Warren Road Elementary.

"I'd be pretty upset. I mean, it's within walking distance and she really likes the school," said Woodward.

The Richmond County School Board is going through the rightsizing process, which means they're figuring out how to best use all their facilities.

An independent audit in March suggested closing five schools to save money.

"I know the parents are anxious...everybody is looking out for their school, but in order for everybody to have an exceptional school system, we've got to make some changes," said Executive Director of Facilities, Benton Starks.

They haven't decided if they'll close any yet, but this week they'll vote on a time line.

This month, they're evaluating plans and they hope to have a drafted plan by November.

In December they'll take action, and they hope to put the rightsizing plan into action by January 2009.

"It's not just cut and dry. From the facilities side of things, I know which buildings cost more to operate, "said Starks, but he says it's much more than that.

The board has six main factors they'll use to decide how to use their buildings, including academics and the impact on the community.

The school board will vote on that time line on Thursday at 6 p.m. They'll also discuss it Tuesday at 4 p.m. in a committee meeting.

Both those meetings are open to the public and are held at the central office at Broad and Eighth Street.