Over 200 parents showed up to protest the planned closure of Pointer Ridge Elementary, arguing that the school is still needed as new families are moving into the area, even though officials say it’s under capacity and in disrepair. The meeting got heated when the superintendent claimed it wasn’t required, but local leaders promised to support the parents in their fight to keep the school open.
Here are the highlights:
- Over 200 parents and residents protested against the planned closure of Pointer Ridge Elementary School.
- The school is considered low-performing and has less than 50% capacity.
- Officials cited $58 million in needed renovations as a justification for the closure.
- Parents argue that population projections underestimate new developments that could bring more students.
- School officials believe new developments will not attract families with school-aged children.
- The meeting became tense after Superintendent House stated it was not required, prompting heated reactions from the audience.
- County Council Member Watson pledged to support parents in keeping the school open.
- City Council Member Michael Estève encouraged parents to remain organized and vocal.
- Recently elected City Council Members attended to show support for the community.
- A final decision on the school’s fate is expected in the coming months.
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Parents Protest at Pointer Ridge
Over 200 parents and area residents faced Prince George's County Schools Superintendent Millard House Wednesday night to advocate against the planned closure of Pointer Ridge Elementary School.
The packed meeting began with a presentation by school officials on the rationale for the planned closure next year, followed by over an hour of parent and teacher dissent.
Pointer Ridge, at less than 50% capacity, is considered low-performing in the evolving formula dictating school closures and realignment.
Officials stated the school is in need of $58 million in renovations, a cost the system can't justify given the low student population and available capacity at nearby schools.
Parents pushed back, arguing that area population projections are undercounting new development coming to the 301 corridor which they believe will bring new families and plenty of students.
School officials countered that the townhome-style communities anticipated in the corridor are less likely to attract families with school-aged children. They pointed to other nearby developments that saw no net change in the number of students enrolled in public schools.
The meeting grew tense when Superintendent House observed that the meeting was not a required part of the decision-making process, stating, "We didn't have to be here tonight."
The remark drew intense audience reaction and subsequent public comments grew heated, with parents and teachers speaking at times just below a yell.
After two hours of public discussion, County Council Member Watson promised to stand with parents and fight to keep the school open.
Just re-elected City Council Member Michael Estève urged parents to continue to organize. "This is a rare situation where one person—the superintendent—has the final say. We need to continue to be loud and persistent."
Also in attendance were recently elected City Council Members Dennis Brady and Wanda Rogers. Neither has yet been sworn in, but both stated they wanted to attend to support the Pointer Ridge community.
Dr. Zipporah Miller, School Board Member representing Bowie and surrounding communities, also attended and vowed to continue to work with parents.
A final decision on the fate of the school is anticipated in the coming months. Residents with feedback on the school closure can reach Superintendent Millard House at superintendent@pgcps.org.