Manatee County school district officials finalized the redistricting plan for students at Orange Ridge-Bullock School.

  • School building in need of major repairs
  • Officials decided to close the school, rather than spend on repairs
  • Teachers unsure where they will be reassigned

The school is more than 55 years old, and according to the school board, the building is in need of major repairs. Instead of putting more money into the school, officials decided to close it.

Students will move to surrounding areas, as will their teachers. However, they aren't sure where they are going.

"I've moved a lot in my life so I kind of feel like that I plant my roots wherever I go," teacher Ariana Kennedy said. "And I leave a piece of me behind and a piece of me will always stay with Orange Ridge."

The school board said teachers who are in good standing with the district will have another job waiting for them. No one will know until school officials send out notices.