Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood has presented a plan to close and consolidate several schools. This proposal addresses a significant budget shortfall of $188 million faced by the district. The recommendations aim to optimize school capacity and reallocate resources effectively.
Key Takeaways
- JCPS faces a $188 million budget deficit.
- Zachary Taylor Elementary and Liberty High School are proposed for closure.
- King Elementary would merge with Maupin Elementary.
- Three community forums are scheduled for public input in early December.
- A final board vote is expected on December 9th.
Addressing the District's Financial Challenges
The Jefferson County Public Schools district is grappling with a substantial $188 million budget deficit. This financial challenge has prompted a thorough review of district operations and facility usage. Superintendent Yearwood's proposal represents a significant step in confronting these economic realities.
A task force was previously established by JCPS to explore various solutions. These options included potential layoffs and tax increases. The current proposal focuses on structural changes within the school system, specifically targeting underutilized facilities and redundant programs.
"These are difficult but necessary steps," Superintendent Yearwood stated in a news release. "We made this decision after a thorough examination of the quality and capacity of our facilities and our educational models."
Proposed School Closures and Consolidations
The core of the superintendent's plan involves the closure of two specific schools: Zachary Taylor Elementary and Liberty High School. These decisions are based on detailed assessments of enrollment figures and program effectiveness.
Enrollment Facts
- Zachary Taylor Elementary's current enrollment is under 50% of its total capacity.
- Waller-Williams Environmental's enrollment stands at 39% of its facility's capacity.
- The Georgia Teenage Parent Program (TAPP) facility is at 21% capacity.
Zachary Taylor Elementary and Liberty High School
Zachary Taylor Elementary is proposed for closure due to low enrollment. Its student population is less than half of the school's designed capacity. If the board approves this closure, students currently attending Zachary Taylor would reapply to schools within the Ballard High School zone. The building itself would be sold.
Liberty High School was originally created to support students needing credit recovery. However, JCPS officials report that these credit recovery resources are now available across the entire district. This makes a dedicated facility like Liberty High School less essential. Students from Liberty High would return to their assigned schools. They would receive mandated Personal Learning Plans and social-emotional support to ensure a smooth transition.
Historical Context of Liberty High
Liberty High School served a specific need for credit recovery. As educational models evolve and resources become more integrated, the district aims to provide these services more broadly. This shift impacts specialized schools like Liberty High, leading to proposals for their consolidation or closure.
Other Affected Schools and Programs
Beyond the closures, the proposal includes several consolidations and relocations:
- King Elementary: This school would merge with Maupin Elementary. The district indicates that the cost per student at King Elementary is approximately $10,000 above the average for other elementary schools. This merger aims to achieve greater cost-effectiveness.
- Waller-Williams Environmental: This program is proposed to relocate to a facility in Fairdale. Its current enrollment is significantly below capacity, making a move to a more suitable location a cost-saving measure.
- Georgia Teenage Parent Program (TAPP): TAPP's enrollment is at 21% of its facility's capacity. The proposal suggests moving TAPP to Male High School's campus, specifically into the Gheens Early Childhood Center.
Community Engagement and Upcoming Vote
The district understands the significant impact these changes will have on families and staff. To ensure public input, JCPS has scheduled three community forums in early December. These sessions will allow community members to discuss the proposed changes directly with district officials.
An online forum is also available for those who cannot attend in person. This platform allows families and staff to submit feedback and questions regarding the proposals. Public participation is crucial in this decision-making process.
The community input sessions are scheduled as follows:
- Monday, December 1: 5–6 p.m. at Kammerer Middle School (7315 Westboro Rd).
- Tuesday, December 2: 5–6 p.m. at the JCPS Center for Professional Learning (3903 Atkinson Square Dr).
- Wednesday, December 3: 5–6 p.m. at Academy @ Shawnee (4001 Herman St).
The Jefferson County Board of Education is expected to hold a final vote on Dr. Yearwood's proposal on December 9th. This vote will determine the future of these schools and programs within the district.
Future Construction and Boundary Adjustments
In addition to the immediate proposals, JCPS provided an update on several ongoing and planned projects for the 2026-27 school year. These initiatives reflect the district's long-term planning for facilities and student distribution.
- W.E.B. DuBois Academy: This academy will transition to its newly constructed campus, located behind Thomas Jefferson Middle School.
- Grace James Academy of Excellence: This academy will move into the building previously occupied by DuBois Academy on Indian Trail.
- New Early Childhood Center: A new, stand-alone Early Childhood Center is expected to open in August 2026. It will be located adjacent to Watterson Elementary.
- Atherton High School: A major renovation and addition project at Atherton High School is nearing completion.
- Echo Trail Middle School: A boundary adjustment is planned for incoming students living north of I-64 and west of Valhalla Golf Club. This adjustment aims to alleviate overcrowding at the school. Current students at Echo Trail will not be affected by this change.
These construction and boundary adjustments are part of a broader strategy to modernize facilities and manage student populations across the district efficiently. The district continues to balance immediate financial needs with long-term educational goals.
