Cost, Enrollment Levels Cause Jackson To Close 4 Schools

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Mississippi’s second-largest school district has voted to close four elementary schools in the face of an estimated $14 million in repairs and declining enrollment.

The Jackson Public Schools Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to close next year Brown Elementary, French Elementary, George Elementary and Woodville Heights Elementary. The Clarion-Ledger reports state Department of Education data shows enrollment has declined about 16 percent over the past decade.

The vote comes after a feasibility study projected repairing the four schools would cost more than $13.8 million. Students will be sent to neighboring schools and school employees will be able to apply at other district schools.

A school district news release says the organization is trying to figure out how the buildings can be used as community assets.

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Information from: The Clarion-Ledger, http://www.clarionledger.com

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