A Warren County Court has issued a decision in favor of the Warren County School District, allowing the district to move forward with its plan to close Youngsville Middle High School.

The ruling, received Monday, denied the plaintiff’s request for injunctive relief that sought to block the school’s closure and halt the student transfers to Eisenhower Middle High School and Youngsville Elementary Middle School.

With the court’s decision, WCSD will proceed with preparations for the 2025-2026 school year, which include transferring high school students to Eisenhower and middle school students to the Youngsville Elementary Middle School campus.

“The ruling affirms WCSD’s position and provides clarity on the path forward,” the district stated in a press release. “With this decision, the district will continue with the planning and preparation of the 2025-2026 school year.”

The school board’s original vote to close Youngsville Middle High School, made in January, was met with significant community opposition and legal action.

Representing the plaintiffs, attorney Thomas Pendleton of McDonald Illig and Save WCSD member Elizabeth Feronti argued in court last week that the district is violating students’ rights under the Pennsylvania Constitution’s Education Clause. That clause mandates a “thorough and efficient” public education system, ensuring each student “a meaningful opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and civically.”

“We believe the board acted in an arbitrary and egregious manner, ignoring the input of the communities most affected,” said Pendleton during his remarks to the judge.

The plaintiffs also alleged that four of the five school board members who voted in favor of the closures do not reside in the Sheffield or Youngsville attendance areas.

In defense, Superintendent Gary Weber and school board attorney Michael Musone cited declining enrollment, teacher shortages, and financial constraints as justification for the closures.

“We are facing significant challenges that require difficult decisions,” said Weber. “Our goal is to continue offering a quality education, even if that means consolidating resources.”

For more information, visit www.wcsdpa.org or contact Eric Mineweaser, Director of Administrative Support Services, at 814-723-6903 x1033 or mineweasere@wcsdpa.org.