Little Rock School District board approves school consolidations, closures and program reconfigurations

The Little Rock School District Board of Directors on Dec. 19, 2024 approved a series of recommendations from district administration to consolidate and repurpose several schools, close one elementary campus and move forward with programmatic changes intended to address declining enrollment and budget shortfalls.

Board members voted on the superintendent’s recommendations after public comment and extensive discussion. The board approved the relocation and consolidation of Carver STEAM Magnet Elementary with Washington Elementary, voted to close Brady Elementary, approved reimagining Dunbar as a Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship Magnet Middle School, and authorized expansion of early‑childhood seats and exploration of elementary bilingual programs. Several motions produced close or divided votes and drew sustained comment from parents and community members.

Why it matters: The district has lost students and state funding in recent years, and administrators said consolidations and repurposing of buildings are intended to reduce operating costs and concentrate services. Speakers at the meeting argued both that closures would harm students and communities and that the board must act to stabilize the district’s finances.

Most significant decisions and how the board voted

Votes at…