MSD of Martinsville Shares Next Steps in Elementary School Consolidation Plan and Announces Leadership for New Elementary
December 10, 2025 — The Metropolitan School District (MSD) of Martinsville Board of Trustees is scheduled to approve the plans to consolidate four existing elementary schools. Centerton Elementary, Green Township Elementary, Poston Road Elementary, and Smith Fine Arts Academy will close at the end of the 2026–2027 school year as the District prepares to open a new elementary school for the 2027–2028 school year.
Alongside this update, the District announces the leadership team who will guide the new school: Dr. Jill Vlcan as Principal and Dr. Stephanie Manley as Assistant Principal.
The new school, which does not yet have an official name, represents a significant investment in the District’s future and will provide modern learning spaces, improved safety, and expanded opportunities for MSD of Martinsville students. The official school name will be announced later this school year.
“As a Board, it is our responsibility to plan not just for today’s students, but for generations to come,” said Heather Staggs, President of the MSD of Martinsville School Board. “This project reflects that long-term initiative and commitment to ensure the District remains a place where education thrives.”
Why the Change Is Needed
All four of the elementary schools scheduled for consolidation were built before the 1960s. While these buildings have served the community for over six (6) decades, they no longer adequately meet the needs of a modern learning environment. The cost of maintaining and operating multiple aging facilities continues to grow, far exceeding the long-term cost of building and operating a new, more efficient school.
Along with the new school being built, the MSD is investing in updates to the elementary schools that will remain open, so every elementary student can experience the positive impact of the Artesian Initiative.
The new construction is a tax-neutral project, through a development and construction delivery model called ‘Build-Operate-Transfer’ (BOT). Tax neutral means the citizens of Martinsville were not impacted by a tax increase to fund this project.
“Each school has played a meaningful role in Martinsville’s history and story,” said Eric Bowlen, Superintendent of the MSD of Martinsville. “This step reflects the District’s responsibility to build on that history and create the best possible environment for students today and in the future.”
What to Expect Next
The District is currently developing redistricting plans that will determine new school assignments. While those plans are not yet finalized, the MSD of Martinsville expects to share preliminary assignments by early 2026. Families will receive detailed information about school boundaries, transportation, and timelines once available.
Teachers and staff will also be invited to share their placement preferences through a survey as part of the transition process. Information regarding the intended use of the four existing schools will be released at a later date.
This announcement marks another milestone in the Artesian Initiative, the District’s long-term effort to align facilities, academics, and operations to best serve the MSD of Martinsville students and staff.
For continued updates, email [email protected] to join the Artesian Initiative group in ParentSquare, visit the MSD of Martinsville website, and follow the MSD of Martinsville on Facebook, Instagram, and X.