HAMPTON -- Merrimack Elementary will close at the end of this school year, the Hampton School Board voted Wednesday night.
The move is part of a school consolidation plan that could save the school district about a million dollars.
A committee initially recommended closing nearby Carr Elementary, but after two public hearings, members took aim at Merrimack.
The Daily Press reports Merrimack students will move to Asbury, Phillips and Cary elementary schools. Some Cary students would move to Smith Elementary and some Phillips students to Booker Elementary.
"This is a good school. My kids went here. My grandkids are going here," said Debbie Carter. "The teachers are wonderful. You feel at home here. They have a good program with children who have special needs and you're closing it for what?"
Closing Merrimack is expected to save the school district $900,000. It's just a small portion of what the district needs to cut because of the budget.
Bino Torres has three children in the school.
"There are other ways to budget their money," Torres said. "I disagree. I think they should keep it open."
