Many parents, teachers and community members from the areas of Geary and Walton learned on Thursday their schools would be closing. Following financial struggles that sent Roane County Schools into a state of emergency and declining enrollment faced by many rural counties, the board of education made the difficult decision to close and consolidate Geary and Walton K-8 schools. During several public comment sessions the county heard the concerns raised by many parents such as longer bus routes. Both Geary and Walton are home to around 200 students, but with the change now coming those students will be moved to Spencer Elementary and middle school’s at the end of the school year.