Plant closing leaves Pike County school district's future uncertain

CLARKSVILLE — The school district that serves Clarksville, Eolia and the surrounding countryside enjoys low class size, a reputation for excellence and an impressive record of voter financial support.

But the Clopton Pike County R-3 school district is bracing itself for a tax revenue loss estimated at $500,000 when Holcim Inc. shuts down its cement plant north of Clarksville early next year.

The district stands to lose about a quarter of its local tax revenue. Superintendent Terry Robertson said he's looking at any and all possibilities for generating revenue.

The district has a $5 million budget and employs about 55 teachers and 60 non-certified staff to educate 600 students in grades K-12 from Clarksville, Eolia and the surrounding area.