Teachers and community push back against possible closure of Irby Elementary ahead of school board decision

ALACHUA, Fla. (WCJB) -Teachers at Irby Elementary School are sharing their concerns about a proposal to close or consolidate their campus, saying the move would disrupt a close-knit community and affect students and families across the area.

The debate comes as the Alachua County School Board continues discussions of a broader rezoning plan that includes potential changes to Irby Elementary and Alachua Elementary, along with a proposal to transition Mebane Middle School into a prekindergarten-through-eighth-grade campus.

Several Irby teachers told TV20 that communication from district leaders has been limited since then. They say they have since submitted data, maps and an alternative plan that would keep Irby open by expanding it to serve pre-K through fourth grade, while shifting older students to another campus.

Teachers argue the current proposal could have unintended consequences, including declining enrollment, as some families consider moving their children to charter or private schools rather than transitioning to a consolidated campus.

“This is a small rural community and I feel like if the school board moves forward with their wishes they will divide the community,” said Lisi Osborne, a teacher who has worked at Irby since 2004. “Irby is like a hidden gem.”

Other teachers emphasized that their concerns go beyond staffing or employment, focusing instead on the impact to students and the broader community.

“This is more than just begging for a school to be open … we are fighting for our family right now, we’re not just fighting for jobs,” said teacher Shernee Bellamy-Fults.

Educators also raised concerns about whether a single pre-K through eighth-grade campus would be equipped to handle future growth in the area.

“This isn’t the best fit for this county,” Bellamy-Fults said. “I don’t think they are telling us or showing us that they are ready for the boom that is about to happen.”

For some, the issue is deeply personal. Allison Harris, a teacher and former Irby student, said the school has long served as a cornerstone for local families.

“It’s just that small-town community school that you just want to see continue,” Harris said.

The discussion over Irby comes amid a larger rezoning effort approved in March that already includes plans to close Stephen Foster Elementary and convert Williams Elementary into a K-8 school. A final decision on Irby and Alachua elementary schools has not yet been made.

Teachers say they plan to attend an upcoming school board workshop and public comment session to voice their concerns directly to board members, describing the moment as critical for the school’s future.

District officials have said they are open to hearing additional input and options as the process continues.

A final decision is expected at the May 5 school board meeting.

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