ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — As summer winds down, kids (and their parents) are turning their attention to the looming school year. For some Asheville City Schools students, the new year will be bittersweet.
The Asheville City Schools Board of Education voted in March to consolidate Montford North Star Academy into Asheville Middle School.
Officials said the move, which was debated for months, was prompted by declining enrollment in the district and a hefty budget deficit.
So, as the new school year starts, the former Montford students will be heading to classes at Asheville Middle School on South French Broad Avenue.
Asheville City Schools spokesperson Marilee Woodard several events planned over the summer were designed to make the transition a little easier.
The Sense of Belonging Middle School Reconfiguration Team hosted a student summer meetup on July 12.
“The students met at Pack Square. They got to talk with other students and teachers. They got some really cool AMS merch and got to watch ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,'” Woodard said.
The next student summer meetup is set for Aug. 13 on the front lawn of New Belgium.
“And families can come to AMS, tour the school and ask questions,” she said.
While this may be difficult, Woodard said it’s a little easier because there has been a lot of crossover between the schools.
“These schools have been connected for a long time through athletics,” Woodard said. “And the band program is very integrated. So are a lot of after-school programs.”
Last year, Asheville Middle had 533 students. “This year, it will be starting the school year with 711,” she said. “Class sizes shouldn’t change too much.”