The controversy over the possible closing of Faith Elementary School continues to weigh on my mind as well as on my heart.

While I understand the need to be fiscally responsible, I also believe in doing what is best for all students in Rowan County.

I have seen the list of improvements that are “needed” and the “cost estimates.” Many of these estimates seem to be grossly inflated. It also seems to show that a lack of reasonable maintenance has been performed in the past. Both my children attended Faith, and I truly believe they received a solid foundation in being courteous and friendly as well as being able to learn and maintain Honor Roll grades.

Regardless of the age of this school, Faith is obviously doing something right. School board Chairman Josh Wagner has stated that all Faith students will be moved to Koontz? Why? Does it not make better sense to move the students to the closest schools?

Maybe a good idea is to fill however many empty seats are at Faith with students from Koontz and see if those students have improved test scores. Study after study shows that moving students from a high-performing school to a low-performing school is detrimental to the student. Also, students always seem to fair better in a community school.

Regardless of the outcome, I continue to pray for the students and staff involved as well as members of the school board and the communities affected.

— Becky Cobb

Salisbury