Alachua County School Board votes to move forward with rezoning plan, closing two elementary schools

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The Alachua County School Board voted to move forward with a comprehensive school zoning plan during a contentious board meeting, a decision that drew opposition from community members, Gainesville city commissioners, and Alachua County commissioners.

View the final maps here.

The rezoning plan began with nine drafts, three for each of the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and was revised following community input sessions. The final plan calls for the closure of two elementary schools: Stephen Foster Elementary and Williams Elementary. Williams Elementary would be converted into a K-8 school. A decision on Alachua Elementary and Irby Elementary was not finalized at the meeting.

Since the plan was made public, Gainesville and Alachua city commissioners, Alachua County commissioners, and community members urged the board to pause before voting. The primary concerns raised included traffic and transportation, the relocation of students, teachers, and administrators, and the historical significance of the schools facing closure.

After more than two hours of public comment, the discussion moved to the board. Board member Dr. Leanetta McNealy called for a motion to delay the vote by one year. Chairman Thomas Vu addressed the board before the vote.

“I don’t know how else to do this, in so many ways. And the thought I keep having to myself is, ‘please, someone just give me an answer, give me an answer of what to do and how to move forward,’” Vu said.

The motion to postpone failed. Board member Sarah Rockwell then brought forward a motion to keep Irby Elementary open, close Alachua Elementary, convert Williams Elementary into a K-8 school, and close Stephen Foster Elementary. The plan moved forward.

Board members are scheduled to meet in May to discuss finalizing plans for Irby and Alachua elementary schools.

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