Latest news, weather and high school sports for Albany and Southwest Georgia

Parents, teachers, officials, and others came together Saturday afternoon to talk about the recent announcement made by the Dougherty County School Board that two local schools may be closing.

The schools the board has recommended to close are Sylvester Road Elementary School and Dougherty Middle School.

Those who attended agree that if they close these schools a number of issues will arise. They are worried about having to bus children across town to school, and the cost of that change. They are also worried that their community will slowly start to fall apart.

School board member Darrel Ealum spoke out to those who attended and assured them he will stand behind them every step of the way. Ealum said everyone in the community needs to attend the board meeting at 5 p.m. Monday night and speak to board members about their concerns. Ealum explained that he isn’t saying if closing the school’s is right or wrong, but the process needs to be slowed down, and the board needs to hear from the people that this decision will affect.

Stay connected to MySouthWestGA.com as stories develop and the FOX 31 Newscast at 10 PM. Visit us on Facebook and Twitter to join in on the conversation and connect with FOX 31!