Carolyn Slaughter represents many Blue Ridge parents hoping to build a new elementary school.

Carolyn Slaughter who is a parent at Colonial Elementary School came before the Botetourt Board of Supervisors to ask for  action on a new Blue Ridge Elementary School.

The property was aquired almost three years ago and Slaughter believed that the economy can no longer be used as the reason for not constructing the new school.

She mentioned that Colonial has the highest numbers in student body in the elementary level. It also has the small square footage. “We use storage closets as instructional space. We also have an auditorium that is multi use” for occupational, physical therapies, computer lab, etc. She noted the building is circa 1939.

Buchanan Supervisor Terry Austin thanked her for the remarks but said it is not the time for the county to incur such debt. Billy Martin, Supervisor from Blue Ridge asked the board to consider finding the funds for the new Blue Ridge School. Fincastle Supervisor Jack Leffel  echoed not  having funds  available to build it. “If we could, we would. We don’t have the funds today.”

Slaughter said, “It is a need, front and center. I ask you do continue to keep it in the forefront for funding.”