What: Press conference with parents, students, and community leaders

When: Monday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Where: In front of Bristol School Board Office (220 Lee St)

Bristol, Va. — Virginia Organizing will hold a press conference today, May 6 at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Bristol School Board office calling on the School Board to attend a joint public forum with City Council on school infrastructure on Thursday, May 9 at 6 p.m. at Highland View Elementary School (1405 Eads Ave). We have listened to members of both the Bristol Virginia City Council and School Board identify a shortage of time for discussion of public school solutions. Parents, members of the community, and faith leaders will speak about the urgent need to develop a strategic plan for Bristol’s elementary schools.

“It’s time for our elected community leaders to come together and make a plan for our elementary schools,” said Casey Almaroad, chapter leader and Bristol parent. “We are hosting this forum to create a public space for these elected leaders to brainstorm a strategic plan to bring our schools up to ADA compliance and make them safer for our students.”

“I grew up in the Bristol school system and now my children go to Bristol schools. These schools were not ADA compliant when I was a student and they are not ADA compliant now that my children are students,” said chapter member and Bristol parent Erica Nophlin. “I’m helping organize this forum because it’s time our schools become accessible for our city’s children. For far too long, some neighborhoods in our city have been neglected and have schools that have been neglected, too. We are calling on our elected officials to listen to the community and take action.”

“Chapter members have met with parents and other community members to gauge their thoughts about school consolidation. The reaction was overwhelmingly against closing our neighborhood schools. It’s Virginia Organizing’s role to give voice to community thoughts,” said chapter leader, Melissa Roberts. “City leaders and School Board members continue to say the barrier is a lack of communication. We are holding this forum so they have the opportunity for discussion.”

To interview a spokesperson about this event, contact Robert Kell at 276-782-2809 or robert@virginia-organizing.org.