Jackson board approves reconfiguration plan: Ida B. Wells to close; Obama Elementary to co‑locate with Northwest

The Jackson Public School District administration recommended, and the Board of Trustees approved, a set of school reconfiguration actions that include closing Ida B. Wells Elementary, reconfiguring Bailey Magnet Middle School, and relocating Barack Obama Elementary to co‑locate with Northwest.

At the April 24 board meeting, Dr. Merrick presented the administration’s recommendation: close Ida B. Wells Elementary; keep the Wells building open for the APAC program; reconfigure Bailey Magnet Middle School (as described in the administration materials); and relocate Barack Obama Elementary to co‑locate with Northwest at an address cited in the presentation. Dr. Merrick said Obama would remain a separate pre‑K through grade school while sharing a building.

Board members asked for operational clarifications about entrances, playgrounds and signage at the co‑located campuses. Dr. Merrick and other administrators said planning was already underway for separate points of entry for elementary and middle school students at the Northwest site, that playground equipment was being delivered or had been installed at some sites, and that staff were coordinating signage so Obama’s identity would be preserved while co‑located. The administration also said it would place the former Obama building into the district’s facility repurposing process for potential reuse or partnership opportunities.

Trustees pressed for and received commitments to follow up on specific facility concerns raised by parents: playground readiness, secure and appropriate points of entry for young students in larger buildings, and surrounding neighborhood conditions (such as vegetation and illicit dumping) that affect safe access. Dr. Merrick said staff would work with principals and the district’s public‑engagement team to surface and address specific parent concerns and to plan open‑house and ribbon‑cutting events.

There was a motion to approve the recommended reconfiguration (information/action item c). Trustee Mitch Figurs moved the motion; the board voted unanimously to approve the recommendation.

The administration said it would provide further details to the board and community as work continues on signage, playground installation and community engagement around the co‑located sites.