I am writing this post because I have a granddaughter staying with me to finish out the school year and she is devastated about losing her school. I, my husband and our six sons attended S W Snowden elementary school.

Snowden has some wonderful teachers and faculty. They still has a lot to offer and I believe if the Board of Education wanted to they could find a way to keep it open. They just need to think of alternative options. Instead of busing our students to overcrowded schools in Chocowinity and Washington they could send students and faculty here. If the travel is too far for Chocowinity and Washington students, is it not the same distance coming from this direction? Plus we already have a newer school!

If you can afford to buy land and build another school, and pay for a principal a year before construction of the school can you not squeeze a few more dollars out for Aurora?
If they need more income for Snowden, how about offering classrooms to Beaufort County Community College for adult learning. I know of several adults who are taking CNA classes and other work ready programs. 
As for certified teachers, does not the school board have any responsibility in providing certified teachers? They should at the very least, be aware of the teachers who have not been certified and follow up on their progress.

I believe together we can find a solution. Suggestions have been made for redistricting the Blounts Creek area to send more students to Aurora. 

Please, take into consideration the students who are at risk and barely get to school now. Consider the working parents who would struggle to find time with their children being bused to Chocowinity and Washington. Please, think about the children who live on the other side of Aurora, who will have an additional twenty miles to their travels.

We have the highest paying taxpayer in the county, Nutrien Phosphate Plant right in our backyard, heck, they are our next door neighbors now, and yet we are the poorest town in Beaufort County. Where is our portion of the money? Why are we treated as an afterthought?

I love my town and I am tired of us being judged by the few who make the news! What you know about Aurora, is not what I know.

I know of a volunteer fire department who comes out and does their best, putting their lives on the line for their neighbors.

I know a library manager who continues to offer programs few people take advantage of but she still keeps trying.

I know friends and neighbors who come together to help one another during a tragedy, illness or death.

I know friends and neighbors who celebrate together the milestones in each other’s lives.

I know a community that struggles to be strong and vibrant even when everyone around them is knocking them down.

I write about my town. I call it by a fictional name but the people who know, know it is a love story to Aurora. I love my town and the people here. I want to fight for it. Tell me how we can do it!