LANDOVER, Md. - Prince George's County's decision to close eight schools and consolidate others has many nervous parents are wondering where their kids will be going to class.

In making its decision, the county school board points to John Carroll Elementary, in Landover, as a prime example of underutilization. The school can hold 456 students, but has just under 189. Calling it inefficient and a waste of resources, the school board put it on the chopping block.

But the decision has produced uncertainty with parents like Tracey Hart, who's wondering where her kids will be this time next year.

"She's had excellent teachers; he's had excellent teachers," Hart observed. "I just hope wherever they send them, ... they'll get the same thing they got."

Berkshire Elementary, John E. Howard ES, Matthew Henson ES, Middleton Valley ES, Morningside ES, Owens Road ES and G. Gardner Shugart Middle School are also slated to close. Five schools will convert to Kindergarten through 8th grade (K-8) programs: Andrew Jackson MS, Samuel Massie ES, and William W. Hall ES will enroll students in grades K-8, while Henry G. Ferguson ES and Eugene Burroughs MS become one K-8 school Benjamin D. Foulois ES will begin enrolling K-8 students and provide the southern end of the county with a performing arts school.

The consolidation will save the system almost $6 million, the board said. But parents are split on it.

According to county resident Lavonia Ford, "OK, why not -- if they can save it." -- Ford

But Johnnie Mae Jones disagrees: "I don't like that, I don't like that at all," she said.

And Moses Brown: "Sacrifice education for money -- that ain't right."

The school board chair says board members had no choice.

"When we build these schools, the state expects us to have enrollment at a certain level," Board Chair Verjeana M. Jacobs, Esq. "You might have four particular schools in a five-mile radius and they're all under-enrolled -- so for efficiency and effectiveness we need to make that decision."

Board member Pat Fletcher notes she even voted to close the school her children and grandchildren attended.

"I hate to see that happen; however, we cannot justify having that many empty seats," she said.

The board said parents of students at impacted schools should learn in the next week or two where their children will attend next year.

Parents say they are now worried about overcrowding at their kids new schools and whether the teachers will be as good.

Current staff wonder whether they will keep their jobs. We're told most jobs will follow the students, but there could be some issues there. A statement from the school board said employees "would be considered for existing and future vacancies in accordance with negotiated agreements."

The school buildings will not be demolished. Instead, they will eventually be used for special programs or classes needed in the community.

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