Parents, teachers worry about potential closure of elementary school Scranton school board members said George Bancroft Elementary has fallen into disrepair and it would take about $2 million to fix. Author: Carolyn Blackburne Updated: 9:23 PM EST January 5, 2021 SCRANTON, Pa. — The Scranton School Board is considering closing George Bancroft Elementary because it needs costly repairs while the district is already more than $200 million dollars in debt. Jennifer Schwartz and her son Gabriel play hopscotch outside the elementary school. Most students here still walk to school. The Scranton School Board said the building has fallen into disrepair, and board members are considering its closure.