Jackson Public Schools to close Ida B. Wells Elementary; Obama Elementary to co-locate with Northwest IB

The Jackson Public School District Board of Trustees approved an administration recommendation to close Ida B. Wells Elementary, reconfigure Bailey Magnet Middle School from a 6–8 to a 4–8 campus and relocate Barack Obama Elementary to co‑locate with Northwest IB at 7020 US 49.

The administration said the Wells building will remain open to house the APAC program, while the Obama Elementary IB program will retain its name and pre-K–5 programming after the move. The board heard that the district intends to enter the former Obama property into a facility repurposing process so outside entities may partner with or acquire the site.

Trustees and administrators discussed operational details including playgrounds, building entrances, signage and campus safety. Several trustees pressed the administration to ensure playground equipment and age-appropriate egress/ingress points are in place for elementary students moved into larger middle-school facilities. The administration said playground equipment is being delivered and that separate entrances for elementary and middle-grade students will be used at the Northwest co-location.

Board members also asked the administration to coordinate with the city on off-campus issues such as litter and overgrowth near Shirley (former Whitten) school and to provide parents with clear signage and communications. The administration said staff and principals are working with PTA and public engagement teams on ribbon-cutting and open-house events, and will share more details with parents.

Trustee Mitch moved the motion to approve the recommendation; the motion was seconded and carried with all members voting in favor.

The board recorded the plan as an information action item that passed at the meeting; the administration will return with implementation details and contract actions as needed.