In May 2025, the Switzerland of Ohio Board of Education made a decision that changed the landscape of education in Monroe County. With a unanimous vote, the board resolved to suspend grades 9–12 at Beallsville High School beginning in the 2025–26 academic year. The move has left the community grappling with a mix of emotions, ranging from sadness and frustration to cautious hope for new opportunities.
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Ohio School Board Suspends High School
The board voted 5-0 in favor of eliminating the high school grades. Starting next year:
- Beallsville will no longer host grades 9-12.
- Grades 7-8 will be shifted into the elementary building on the same campus.
- Students in grades 9-12 will be relocated to either River High School or Monroe Central High School, depending on their home address.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Decision Date | May 29, 2025 |
| Action Taken | Closure of grades 9–12 at Beallsville High |
| Future of Campus | Pre-K through 8th grade to continue; 7th–8th moved into elementary |
| Student Relocation | East of Beallsville → River High School; West of Beallsville → Monroe Central High |
| Employment Impact | No layoffs, but staff reassignment expected |
| Reason Stated | Declining enrollment (approx. 50–53 students projected) |
| Community Response | Emotional, resistant, focused on loss of identity |
The Reason Behind the Decision
Enrollment numbers at Beallsville High had been declining steadily for years. What was once a bustling small-town high school had dwindled to just over fifty students across four grades. Board members argued that such small numbers restricted educational opportunities, making it difficult to provide a broad range of academic courses, extracurricular programs, and sports teams. They insisted that students would gain better access to resources at Monroe Central and River High Schools.
The primary reason behind this suspension is the sharp decline in enrollment.
- Projections showed that only 53 students would be enrolled across all four high school grades.
- Out of these, just 14 juniors and seniors were expected to remain on campus.
With such small numbers, maintaining separate high school classes and extracurricular activities had become unsustainable
Impact on Students
For the students, the change is more than a logistical adjustment; it is deeply personal. Seniors who expected to graduate from the same building they started in will now be finishing their journey elsewhere. Juniors, sophomores, and freshmen are being thrust into unfamiliar schools, forced to rebuild friendships and adapt to new cultures.
Travel times are another concern. Many families worry that longer bus rides could take a toll on students, especially during the harsh winter months common in the region. Parents fear that the sense of belonging that came with a small community school may not be easily replicated in larger institutions.
| Category | Change |
|---|---|
| High School Students | Transferred to River High or Monroe Central High |
| Choice Option | Families can apply for open enrollment if they prefer the other high school |
| Middle School (7-8) | Shifted into the Beallsville elementary building |
| Elementary (Pre-K-6) | Continues as usual on the Beallsville campus |
Staff and Employment
One reassurance provided by the board is that no current staff will lose their jobs. Teachers, coaches, and support staff will remain employed within the district. However, reassignments are inevitable. Some will move to Monroe Central or River, while others may continue working with the younger grades at Beallsville.
This has left employees uncertain about their future roles, while also raising questions about morale. Educators who dedicated years to shaping the Blue Devils community now face the challenge of adjusting to new environments.
Community Reactions
The announcement sent shockwaves through Beallsville. Parents and alumni voiced strong opposition, describing the decision as abrupt and disheartening. Students expressed feelings of betrayal, particularly those entering their senior year, who felt robbed of the traditions and milestones they had been anticipating.
For the broader community, the high school represented more than education. It was a place where memories were made, where Friday night games brought everyone together, and where local pride found its strongest voice. The closure of the high school grades is seen by many as a blow to the town’s identity.
The Future of Beallsville
Even with the closure of grades 9–12, the Beallsville campus will remain active. Pre-K through 8th grade students will still fill the classrooms, ensuring the building continues to play a role in the community. Yet, the absence of high school students will undoubtedly change the energy of the campus.
Athletic programs will be consolidated into the larger schools, meaning Beallsville’s Blue Devils teams will no longer compete at the high school level. Traditions tied to senior proms, graduations, and homecoming events will shift to other towns.
Pros and Cons
Potential Benefits
- Students may access a wider range of courses and activities.
- Larger student populations allow for more competitive sports and clubs.
- District resources can be consolidated for efficiency.
Concerns Raised
- Loss of community identity tied to the high school.
- Longer travel times for students.
- Emotional toll on seniors and upper-class students.
- Doubts about whether significant financial savings will actually be achieved.
The suspension of Beallsville High School’s upper grades marks the end of an era for a small Ohio community. While the district frames the decision as a step toward efficiency and better opportunities, the human side tells a different story—one of disrupted traditions, community loss, and heartfelt disappointment.
For Beallsville, the future remains uncertain. The elementary and middle grades will keep the campus alive, but without its high school, the town faces the challenge of preserving its spirit in new ways.
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