CLAREMONT, N.H. (WCAX) - Amid a budget deficit that could be as high as $5 million, the Claremont School Board has voted to close an elementary school in the city mid-year.

“Together we are all Bluff strong” is posted on the sign outside Bluff Elementary School -- a signal that emotions are running high in the Claremont School District. It comes after the School Board voted on Wednesday to close the school where more than 130 students attend.

The younger grades will go to the Maple Avenue School in Claremont, while 4th and 5th graders will go to the Disnard Elementary School. No staffing positions will be cut, and the children will stay with their current teachers.

According to district documents, the planned closure is due to staffing shortages, specifically around special education. T

See Full Page