(RALEIGH) -- As state education leaders attempts to comply with General Assembly instructions, the Department of Public Instruction is planning to consolidate rather than close one of its residential schools. The Governor Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh would become a satellite campus of the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf in Wilson.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson said that under the circumstances, it is a win-win. "This path would preserve and protect the educational services and opportunities available to each student population and would allow us to make good use of spaces that are now sitting empty much of the time," said Atkinson.

But Gary Farmer, who has taught deaf children for more than 30 years, said it is obvious that the focus on what's best for the children is not there anymore. "It's not a victory for anybody.  It's hollow, and I've got ambivalent feelings.  If you look at it, purely money and that's what this thing is about.  It's about money  now," said Farmer.

Atkinson said making this change, and renting out unused space can put upwards of $5.5 million annually in the state's pocket. She said would make the recommendation to the State Board at its next meeting. State legislators will ultimately have to approve it.