WAYNESBORO, Va. — After nearly half a century, a Waynesboro school for disabled and special needs students is closing its doors.

In a statement, the Board of Directors at Pygmalion School said that the institution will end its educational services on December 15th. It has served the Waynesboro community for 47 years.

The Board explained that “staffing challenges, facility changes and a lower-than-expected census,” as well as the strain from the COVID pandemic, created “insurmountable barriers” for continued operation.

According to reports, Waynesboro Public Schools has adopted a plan to bring the soon-to-be school-less students into the system with temporary modular classrooms.

The school division has also agreed to pay the salaries of Pygmalion staff for one year as the transition plays out.