ALTAVISTA (WSLS10) - Campbell County Public School leaders will feel an impact when the Timken plant closes in 2017.
The Altavista school district risks more empty desks.
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"We are aware of the fact that you know, many of their families work at Timken," Altavista Combined School Principal Ty Gafford said. "Certainly, we are concerned that some of those kids can leave."
Altavista Combined School has a particularly close relationship with Timken.
Gafford said not only does the district expect to see a decrease in student enrollment, but also several programs and scholarships will be completely eliminated.
"They sponsor athletic programs and they've donated money to a number of things here," Gafford said. "I've mentioned career day that they've been involved in."
Gafford further explained the school has maintained a 15-year partnership with Timken. The company has given thousands of dollars in scholarships each year, on top of providing hands-on career training and machine shop programs for middle and high school students.
"When you look at the technology and programs that Timken can offer, it limits our students," commented 7th grade math Teacher Jerry Booth. "With limited courses, you might be looking at students going elsewhere."
Administrators said the concern is the schools will not be able to fill the void once Timken shuts down.
Gafford said he does not have a solution yet, but is looking to work with other local businesses to keep the programs running.