The Warren County School District held a public hearing regarding the potential relocation of grades 6-8 from Youngsville High School to Youngsville Elementary School.

The meeting, required by state law, allowed community members to express concerns and gather information before any final decision is made. The school district solicitor opened the meeting by clarifying the purpose of the hearing.

“I want to stress the fact that the board holding this school closure hearing does not mean the decision has been made to close the school,” the solicitor stated. “The purpose of this hearing is for the board to receive information and public comment to assist in making its decision.”

The solicitor emphasized that the hearing was just the first step in a lengthy decision-making process that will involve further public meetings and discussions in the coming months.

Superintendent Gary Weber spoke before public comments, citing declining enrollment and financial constraints as major reasons for considering the relocation of middle school students to the elementary building.

“The county has experienced a significant loss in population,” Weber explained. “According to the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, by the year 2050, we are projected to lose 11% of our population. The district has been averaging a loss of 71 students per year over the last decade.”

He also outlined the financial challenges facing the district: In 2022, student enrollment was 3,911. Two years later, in 2024, it had dropped to 3,796–a reduction of 115 students. While revenues are increasing, it is at a much slower rate than expenditures. Inflation, rising health care costs, and state-mandated expenses continue to strain the budget.

Several community members voiced strong concerns about how the proposed move would impact students, particularly the youngest learners at Youngsville Elementary.

Wendy Wilcox highlighted the broader effects on all students:

“The decision to close our high school and consolidate to another school isn’t just affecting high school students,” Wilcox said. “It’s going to impact every child — even down to our little littles. With this new bus schedule, they are going to have to increase their school day by at least an hour to an hour and a half.”

Mistie Moore also expressed concern about the length of time kindergarteners would be away from home due to extended bus schedules.

“You’re asking a child to leave their home and not return for 10 hours–and when you factor in the time they have to wake up, it’s 11 hours and 5 minutes for a small child,” Moore said. “That’s a lot for anyone, especially a small child.”