In mid-April, residents of Empire were informed that the Walker County Board of Education was considering closing the school. The board's stated reason for this move was to help the school system balance the budget in preparation for coming statewide cuts in funds for education totaling $266 million.

"Save Empire School" signs were posted on telephone poles, on trees, and in yards throughout the town and surrounding area. Residents launched a petitioning campaign, gathering signatures door-to-door in neighborhoods, at shopping areas, and on the job. Nearly 2,000 people signed up in support of the fight.

"It's not just about our school," said Donna Savage, a participant in the struggle who circulated petitions at her job in nearby Jasper. "We don't want any schools closed."

Alabama is already ranked 44th in total education spending.

Since the statewide funding cuts were announced, a debate has taken place in the media, the state legislature, the courts, and elsewhere. Some propose increasing the state sales tax to generate more revenues. Others want to shift the source of funds for schools from sales to property taxes, arguing that property taxes would be a more stable source of income. Still others pit funding for kindergarten through 12th grade against funding for higher education, arguing that if cuts have to happen, colleges and universities should bear the greater burden. And there are those who propose equal cuts throughout the system.

Several retired coal miners in Empire told these reporters that they thought the decision to close the school was tied to mining interests. One of them, James Lemley, explained that "coal is being strip-mined about a quarter mile from the school. A seam of coal runs right through here," indicating the area in which the school is located.

When asked what she thought would happen to the school, Linda Busby, also a former miner, said, "They'll tear it down and strip it," referring to McWane, a major mining operator that owns the land adjacent to the school.

Supporters of Empire school packed the May 10 school board meeting expecting their position to be considered, but board members quickly approved the closing. Busby, who is also the grandmother of an Empire student, pointed to the already crowded schools to which Empire children will be bused next year. "Children are not a priority," she said. "These kids will get lost in the system. It's heartbreaking and it's an outrage."

The Socialist Workers Party and Young Socialists in Alabama passed out a joint statement in support of the struggle to save Empire school. Many who attended the community meeting on May 7 read the statement with interest. Demands raised in that leaflet included, "Stop the cuts in education funding now. No sales or property taxes on working people--tax the rich. A public works program, paid at union-scale, to build needed schools, hospitals, day-care centers, and other facilities workers and farmers need. Free education for all, through the university level."  
 
 
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