Several schools may close next school year as Alachua County Public Schools moves forward with its “Our Schools – Future Ready” initiative.
Local civil engineering firm JBPro has drafted three proposed boundary maps for each school level — elementary, middle and high — that the Alachua County School Board is set to vote on in March.
Project leaders say the campuses under consideration are under-enrolled, and that nearby schools could take in those students to better balance enrollment and make more efficient use of facilities and resources. The maps are part of the district’s comprehensive planning effort to address both short- and long‑term challenges.
Key changes under consideration include:
Elementary school overview
Proposed maps A and C would also close Rawlings Elementary School and rezone those students to Norton and Metcalfe elementary schools. Stephen Foster Elementary students would be rezoned for Norton and Parker elementary schools.
Under proposed map B, Rawlings Elementary would remain open.
Under proposed maps B and C, Mebane Middle School would be converted to a K-8 starting in fall 2027. Irby Elementary School would be expanded to Pre-K-5 and Alachua Elementary School would close.
Middle school overview
Across all scenarios, the district is not proposing any middle school closures. Oak View Middle School would transition to a K–8 campus in fall 2026, and Lincoln Middle School would follow, becoming a K–8 in fall 2028.
Project leaders aim to boost enrollment at Bishop Middle School and Lincoln Middle School while easing crowding at Kanapaha Middle School.
High school overview
Proposed maps would redraw attendance boundaries to better balance enrollment across the district. Under all scenarios, Eastside High School’s boundary would shift further west.
The district has not made any final decisions on which maps it will adopt. Detailed maps and feedback surveys are available on the “Our Schools, Future Ready” website.
Community engagement sessions will continue throughout February. All sessions start at 5:30 p.m.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Alachua County Public Schools considers school closures in rezoning plan
Reporting by Chelsea Long, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
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