Amid a significant budget deficit, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) have announced plans to close, consolidate, and relocate several schools in preparation for the upcoming academic year. The proposals include the closure of Zachary Taylor Elementary and Liberty High, the consolidation of King and Maupin elementary schools, and the relocation of Waller-Williams Environmental School and the Georgia Chaffee Teenage Parent Program.
Grace James Academy is set to move into the former DuBois building on Indian Trail, while the DuBois program will transition to a newly built facility behind Thomas Jefferson Middle School. These changes were publicly shared on the district’s website and social media channels on November 20 at 5 p.m.
The district’s communication stated, “We know this is difficult, but it is necessary for the District’s future.” This announcement aligns with earlier reports in The Courier Journal indicating that Superintendent Brian Yearwood had developed a ranked list of schools deemed ideal candidates for closure, based on various financial and logistical factors.
Chief Operations Officer Rob Fulk explained that the internal ranking system evaluates the total cost of educating each student, factoring in not only instructional expenses but also transportation, maintenance, janitorial services, and more. The historical and projected enrollment numbers, along with the maintenance needs of each building, were also pivotal in the decision-making process.
Zachary Taylor’s closure is attributed to its current enrollment being below 50% of its optimal capacity. For Liberty High, which was originally established to assist students with credit recovery, the district noted that similar support resources are now available throughout JCPS, rendering the separate model unnecessary. Students would be redirected to their respective home schools, where they would still receive personalized learning plans and social-emotional support.
Plans to relocate Waller-Williams and TAPP stem from low enrollment numbers and high operational costs. The proposal includes moving Waller-Williams to an existing facility in Fairdale and relocating TAPP to the campus of Male High School. King Elementary is also set to move into Maupin’s facility, which are only a short drive apart.
The Jefferson County Board of Education must approve these proposed changes, and the district is organizing three public forums to gather community feedback before the vote. Families are encouraged to share their opinions through an online form.
As the district navigates through these challenging decisions, the hope remains that the adjustments will ultimately position JCPS for a more sustainable future, ensuring all students receive the quality education they deserve.