This article originally provided by WV Metro News

March 16, 2007

Governor Says Marsh Fork Future A Local Decision

Staff
State Capitol

The governor's office released a prepared statement from Governor Joe Manchin just before several protestors were arrested in the Governor's Reception Room Friday in connection with the controversy involving Marsh Fork Elementary School in Raleigh County.

The following is the text of the release.

"The decision to close, consolidate or establish any school belongs to the county board of education.

“Therefore, the elected officials of the county will make the decision regarding the education of the children in their county.

“As I have stated in the past, before the state can get involved in issues such as whether a school should be moved or if a new school should be built, a decision must first be made at the local level.

“I am encouraging the local school board to put the decision on a new school at Marsh Fork before a vote of the people of Raleigh County so they can determine the final outcome themselves.

- Gov. Joe Manchin III