DADE CITY, Fla. — UPDATE: Lacoochee Elementary will stay open. The motion to close the school failed by a vote of 2-3.
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ORIGINAL STORY: Many residents in a Pasco County community are hoping for one last chance to save a local elementary school from closing.
The Pasco County school board is expected to vote Tuesday evening whether or not to close Lacoochee Elementary School in Dade City.
The issue has been discussed for years as the school has dealt with staff changes and low test scores.
The district says the school is currently at half its capacity; but parents in the area aren’t giving up yet.
"It's just heartache. It's just bad. It's bad for the community. It's bad for the kids. It's going to traumatize a lot of these kids. My great grandson just started kindergarten. He's not going to know what to do,” said Linda Dove.
"I think they need to reconsider. I live here. And I honestly think that the stuff that goes on around here isn't our fault,” said Mary Williams.
If Lacoochee is closed, students would transfer 7 miles south to Cox Elementary School in Dade City.
Staff would likely move there as well.
The board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Land O' Lakes.
Story Developing. Stay with ABC Action News for updates.
