What’s Next for Ewell School House, “Only one student attending” says Somerset County School System

SMITH ISLAND, Md – The era of in-person school on Smith Island is all but certainly coming to an end according to the Somerset County School Superintendent Dr. John Gaddis, who says declining enrollment would see only one student attending the 23-24 school year.

Dr. Gaddis tells 47ABC they met with the parents of the child, and have let them know that there will be additional resources available for that student.

“It was very clear they don’t want their child by themselves in a school so the opportunity now comes for the board to be able to do a variety of things and eventually turn that building over to the county commissioners,” Dr. Gaddis said.

He tells us the student will have the option to take the County-funded boat with the other students on Smith Island that attend middle and high school in Somerset County, homeschooling or being enrolled in an online academy.

He tells us following a public comment meeting, he believes the Board of Education will vote to turn the video over to the county, with the building remaining in operation as the town’s public library.

Dr.Gaddis tells 47ABC they will retain the ability to have the building converted back to a school should enrollment go up.

“If we have a family move and they have 5 kids we will of course work to accommodate them and this gives us that ability,” Dr. Gaddis said.