Petition To Save White Marsh Elementary Gains Momentum As Closure Concerns Grow

MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — A petition calling for the preservation of White Marsh Elementary School (WMES) is gaining traction this week as parents, educators and community members raise concerns about potential school closures and their ripple effects across St. Mary’s County.

The petition, “Keep White Marsh Elementary School Open,” launched on Change.org by White Marsh Elementary parent Ashley Rippy, argues that the school is far more than a building and warns that closing it would have long-term consequences for students and the broader community.

“White Marsh Elementary School is more than just a building, it’s a cherished community hub, providing education and a sense of community for countless families, including mine,” the petition states. “Recent discussions about closing it have left us, the parents, educators, and community members of St. Mary’s County, deeply concerned.”

The discussion surrounding White Marsh Elementary is rooted in a broader redistricting process underway in St. Mary’s County Public Schools. The effort began after county leaders raised concerns about uneven building usage and overcrowding at some schools while enrollment has declined at others. In response, the school system hired an outside consultant to evaluate facility capacity and enrollment trends and to propose possible boundary adjustments.

One of the options presented would close White Marsh Elementary and redistribute its students to neighboring schools as part of an attempt to “balance” enrollment across the county — a proposal that has sparked significant concern among families and educators who say it would create overcrowding elsewhere and disrupt established school communities.

The petition, started by Rippy, echoes those concerns, noting that closing the school would force students to travel longer distances, disrupt daily routines and place additional strain on families.

“If White Marsh is closed, students will have to travel longer distances, disrupting their daily routines and placing unnecessary stress on already overburdened families,” the petition states. “Additionally, larger class sizes in other nearby schools could result in less personalized attention from teachers.”

White Marsh Elementary, built in 1956, is now in its 70th year of use. Under Maryland’s percentage-based school construction funding system, older and smaller schools face challenges receiving state funding for major upgrades.

The petition highlights White Marsh Elementary’s broader role in the community.

“The contributions of White Marsh Elementary extend beyond education,” it states. “It serves as a focal point for community events and activities, strengthening community ties and fostering a sense of belonging. This school embodies the spirit and values of St. Mary’s County.”

White Marsh Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2016 and has consistently earned five-star ratings under Maryland’s school accountability system. In 2025, it was the only school in St. Mary’s County to receive a five-star rating.

While acknowledging financial challenges facing the school system, the petition urges leaders to consider alternatives to closure.

“We believe there are alternative solutions that do not sacrifice the educational needs of our children or the integrity of our community,” the petition states, calling on the Board of Education to explore consolidation measures or budget adjustments elsewhere.

The St. Mary’s County Board of Education is expected to hear potential plans at its Feb. 4 meeting, with public comment scheduled for Feb. 18. Rippy is encouraging residents to sign the petition and share their perspectives with county and school officials.

“By signing this petition, you are standing with us in support of White Marsh Elementary School,” the petition states. “We must act to ensure that our children continue to receive their education in an environment that nurtures their potential and supports their growth.”

Photo source: “Keep White Marsh Elementary School Open” petition website

If you’re interested in signing the petition, click here to visit “Keep White Marsh Elementary School Open.” To learn more about the redistricting plan, visit smcps.org/redistricting.
.

---