A suggestion from Nansemond River High School principal Thomas McLemore to hold GED classes in the individual high schools, rather than at the Pruden Center, received broad support from School Board members at their retreat last week.

However, the proposal is unlikely to come to fruition this year because of budget challenges. The school division already is considering closing schools and cutting positions and programs in the face of an estimated $5.3-million budget gap.

McLemore broached the subject with the School Board when discussing the steps his school is taking to improve on-time graduation rates.

“I would like to see it held at all three high schools,” he said.

Currently, the Pruden Center for Industry and Technology offers GED classes, including pre-GED and GED preparatory courses, at its facility. McLemore, however, suggested the program might be better attended if it were offered at students’ home schools.

“The relationship between child, parent and school, I think, is very important,” he said, adding that he had success with a group of students attending summer school at Nansemond River rather than another school.

“I felt like they might not go to summer school if it was at another school,” he said.

The suggestion was met with resounding support from board members.

“I will lobby to get support,” Lorraine Skeeter said. “It’s a great idea to bring these young people back to their home schools. You do better in your environment.”

Phyllis Byrum, another board member, agreed.

“That personal touch is what’s so important,” she said.

Board member Enoch Copeland also supported the suggestion, but he reminded his colleagues that the school division likely would not have money to add services this year.

Bracing for reduced state aid, increased fuel costs and other financial woes, the board last week discussed ways to close the budget gap.

Options discussed during the board’s retreat included closing Florence Bowser and Mount Zion elementary schools; cutting 10 positions besides those at the closed schools; rezoning schools to allow for less fuel expense; and reducing money set aside for utilities, materials, supplies, summer programs, equipment purchases and more.

The budget will be released to the public Thursday. A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 17 at King’s Fork High School.