Several Jackson public schools will be temporarily closed and students will be merged with other existing schools while more that $62 million in repairs and maintenance work is done on the buildings after members of the Jackson Public Schools Board of Trustees unanimously approved a reconfiguration plan for the schools during a Wednesday meeting.
The project calls for the reconstruction, consolidation and proposed relocation of several schools for the 2023-2024 academic school year was presented to trustees on April 18 by faculty and staff asking the board to approve the changes, according to Superintendent of JPS Schools Errick L. Greene, Ph.D.
“A substantial portion of these funds will be used to remediate school buildings, including installing new HVAC systems, restroom renovations and outdoor learning spaces,” officials have said. “These funds are time-sensitive and must be expended by 2024.”
Read more about the plan here:Jackson schools propose relocation of several campuses for next year as repairs slated
Wednesday’s vote came after the plan was shared with the faculty, staff, parents and residents in a series of recent public meetings to explain the plan and take comments.
Voting for the plan were board members Dr. Edward D. Sivak Jr., president; Barbara T. Hilliard, vice president; Dr. Robert Luckett, secretary; Frank Figgers, member; Letitia S. Johnson, member; Dr. Jeanne Middleton Hairston, member; Cynthia Thompson, member; and Greene. No board members opposed the plan but one parent expressed concern that the plan would split students and families, which Greene said would not happen.
The reconfiguration is being paid for with more than $62 million in federal Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds that JPS received to address the lingering impacts of COVID-19 on education.
The federal funding for the projects includes $20 million for Bailey (APAC) Middle School; $9.3 million for Jim Hill High School; $9.7 million for Pecan Park Elementary School; and $2.5 million for Powell Middle School.
The construction process is expected to begin later this month.
“We are excited about the work that will be done at the schools,” Greene said. “Not only are we excited about the work, but also to get scholars back at their starting grounds. One of the schools with the most need for reconfiguration is Powell Middle School, such as the foundation, HVAC, and other entities.”
With the reconfiguration approved, JPS officials said they are hopeful the projects will drive and increase enrollment at JPS schools.
Jackson Public Schools enrollment has declined from 28,780 students in the 2014-15 school year to 18,874 students in the current school year.
“During this process, we ask that you be mindful of who will be in those buildings once the reconfigurations are completed,” Greene said.
JPS officials said transportation would stay the same during the reconfiguration, but bus routes will slightly change. More information on those routes will be released at a later date.
Summary of approved school moves
- Brinkley Middle School will consolidate with Lanier High School, and Lanier will be reconfigured to serve grades 7-12 to strengthen its enrollment.
- Powell Middle School will shift to Brinkley Middle School while facility challenges are addressed; Brinkley’s sixth graders will go to Powell Middle School.
- Pecan Park Elementary School’s kindergarten through second graders will shift to Lake Elementary, and third through fifth graders will go to Johnson Elementary while facility challenges are addressed.
- Baker Elementary will consolidate and shift complete enrollment to Shirley Elementary.
- Jim Hill High School will utilize its 9th Grade Academy building and Isable Elementary while addressing facility challenges.
- To accommodate Jim Hill High School, Isable Elementary School’s pre-kindergarten through second graders will shift to Lester Elementary and third through fifth graders to Marshall Elementary.
Transportation and planning
- “Transportation will continue to be provided for students; new routes are under development,” according to JPS. According to their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), students will continue receiving special education support.
- English Learners will receive support through the general education program at the consolidated school (Baker to Shirley Elementary). Middle and high school scholars will occupy separate building wings and utilize distinct entrances/exits.
- The middle school (grades 7 and 8) and high school (grades 9 through 12) will maintain separate schedules to facilitate district-wide common planning (Lanier reconfiguration with Brinkley consolidation).
- All certified team members desiring to remain employed with Jackson Public Schools are offered alternative placement. All classified staff will be placed in comparable roles at new schools.
