[1] Linda Coleman, a Democratic member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from Mound Bayou, stated that the costs of transporting children to West Bolivar from Benoit were too high.

[9] In 2020 the West Bolivar board voted to close Ray Brooks on a 3 to 2 basis due to declining tax revenue and enrollment district wide, with Ray Brooks chosen to close as it was more distant and because, of the options, the fewest children would have changes to their schooling.

This is despite the school building perceived to be in better condition than others,[10] with it being larger and newer than others.

The closure reflects a population loss occurring in the Mississippi Delta area.

[9] Tamara Lopez of Delta News TV stated "Residents in Benoit had mixed reactions to the announcement, some angry others sad.