GRAVES COUNTY, Ky.---Kids and parents love it, attendance is solid, test scores above average, but there's a big problem; the school district needs to save 300 thousand dollars by next year.
The superintendent said the school district doesn't have enough money and the school's enrollment is too low.
That's why Graves County Superintendent said he may be forced to close Cuba Elementary School, but not if parents have their say.
No one is sure if there is any saving the school.

Originally it looked like the options were lay off teachers and cut programs to save Cuba Elementary.
A gym full of concerned parents learned there may be other options but there are no easy answers.

"We've graduated from Cuba, we've lived here all our lives and I hope we still can say Cuba Elementary will be here when I'm gone," one concerned resident said.

But Superintendent Pete Galloway explained to parents keeping Cuba open might not be so easy.

"I have to be honest with you, kids aren't, parents aren't beating down the doors to send kids to Cuba," Galloway said.

He also told parents the district faces a major deficit, closing Cuba isn't the only cost-cutting option on the table. 
He said the school board is also considering; changing their preschool and busing schedules, postponing buying buses and textbooks
cutting extra-curricular, and raising local taxes.

"I will make every effort and every resource I have to make sure this school is successful," another parent said.

Galloway answered questions, concerns, and told parents the bottom line is enrollment.  If it doesn't double, he doesn't see how the school can feasibly stay open. No one is sure how to make that happen.
While the meeting ended earlier than expected with no solid solutions presented, everyone those who spoke tonight agree on one thing; they want to save the school.

One person asked if a community wide fund raiser would help. 
While the superintendent said the district will take all the help it can help, it's going to take a lot of money to keep Cuba's doors open.
Approximately 160 students attend Cuba Elementary school.  If the school closes, those students would go to the other elementary schools in the district.

The superintendent said teachers and staff would also be transferred to other schools.