Non-profit Mississippi News Four elementary school in Jackson Public School District will be closing in the 2018-19 school years. The Board of Trustees approved Tuesday night a recommendation to close Brown and George elementary schools. This decision is based on a feasibility study that the district did to determine which schools could be closed. Last fall, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba suggested that school closures might be necessary. Frederick Murray, interim superintendent, said that a combination of declining enrollment and dwindling state funding were factors in the decision. Brown, French and George elementary schools were chosen because each school had fewer than 200 students and required $2-$4 million in updates or repairs. Woodville Heights was chosen because it is in dire need of $4 million in repairs. There are 25 elementary schools currently in the district. Last year, the previous school board approved consolidation of Barr elementary schools and Poindexter elementary schools. Ed Sivak, a board member, stated that the board visited each school and attended community meetings regarding possible closures for any other schools. He said that while students were learning in the best facilities, they also did what they were supposed. Sivak stated that on one side you can see students who walk in lines and who are happy listening to their teachers read them books. The paradox is the backdrop of rusty pipes and buckling floors. It doesn’t always happen, but there are many facilities that require a lot more work than the resources allow. Multiple members agreed that it was a difficult decision but that keeping all four schools open was financially impossible. Galloway will be home to students from Brown, while French students will go to Lake and Raines elementary schools. George students will be moving to Casey or Isable elementary schools. Woodville Heights students will go to Timberlawn, Oak Forest or Bates elementary schools. According to a release by the district, teachers from these schools will be given more opportunities to fill vacant positions at other schools or offices. Board members also stated that they would work with communities to find alternative uses for the facilities. McPherson and Jacobson LLC were also approved by the board to help with the search for the next superintendent. The Omaha, Neb.-based firm will assist the district in putting in place a permanent leader by July 1.
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