The Bladen County Schools Board of Education voted 6-3 on Tuesday evening to close East Arcadia School effective June 30, 2026.
The vote took place during a special called board meeting held on March 17, 2026. The decision follows action taken at the board's regularly scheduled meeting on March 9, 2026, when members voted to close the school but were unable to reach consensus on the timeline.
Tuesday's special called meeting was convened specifically to resolve that outstanding question.
"This was a difficult but necessary decision for our district," said Superintendent Dr. Jason Atkinson. "Our focus now turns to ensuring a smooth transition for East Arcadia students, families, and staff. We are committed to keeping our community informed every step of the way and to making certain that every student continues to have access to a high-quality education."
Bladen County Schools will share additional information regarding student placements, transportation, and staff transitions in the coming weeks. Families with questions are encouraged to contact the district's central office at 910-862-4136.