The Tyler County Board of Education convened a special meeting on Tuesday night at the Tyler Consolidated High School Auditorium to discuss the closure of both Sistersville and Arthur I. Boreman elementary schools with Superintendent Shane Highley outlining plans for a new Tyler County Consolidated Elementary School.

The new school is projected to cost between $60-$65 million without increasing taxes for county residents. Highley emphasized that now is the time to move forward, citing available financial resources, as the board of education plans to build the new school on recently acquired land behind Tyler Consolidated High School.

Highley explained enrollment has been on the decline, while both schools are 50 years old.

All current staff would have a job at the new school, Highley said.

The cost savings from operating a single school instead of two would enable the board of education to enhance educational opportunities for all students by introducing new programs, he added.

Maggie Fisher, a parent of two Tyler County students and a technology system specialist for Tyler County Schools, spoke in favor of the consolidation. She explained that having children in two different schools creates significant travel challenges. Fisher also said having one school allows students to grow up together, fostering stronger community bonds.