Alachua consultants propose K–8 expansions and up to five school closures to address falling enrollment

Kathy Ebaugh, director of planning for consulting firm JB Pro, outlined three draft boundary scenarios for Alachua Public Schools on the Our Schools Future Ready Project, saying the proposals are designed to align school capacity with declining enrollment and improve program delivery. "We have 6,600 available seats," Ebaugh said, presenting charts showing capacity and enrollment trends.

The plan combines community engagement and demographic data, Ebaugh said, noting national and state K–12 enrollment declines and local factors such as lower birth rates, housing changes and expanding school choice. "We are listening to you. We are reading every comment," she said, urging residents to review maps and respond to the online survey before Feb. 19.

Why it matters: The district team argues that an extended facility footprint stretches limited resources for programs, staff and transportation. The scenarios aim to "right‑size" the district so buildings are fuller and resources can be concentrated on student programs, CTE offerings and advanced coursework.

Key proposals: The three drafts (A, B and C) share common elements — shifting boundary lines to align feeder patterns, using two‑mile walk zones to inform transportation planning, converting several middle schools to K–8 models and identifying schools for potential closure. Draft A would close Rawlings Elementary and move Foster’s magnet program to Norton; Draft B adds a proposed Bain Middle School conversion to K–8 by August 2027 and would close Alachua Elementary; Draft C blends elements of A and B and includes the most closures (up to five in the draft described).

School‑level details cited by the consultant include Duval Elementary (capacity 408; enrollment ~120, roughly 30% utilization), Foster (opened in 1952; low zone student counts), and Williams (built 1938; co‑located with Lincoln and under capacity). Ebaugh said Metcalfe was redeveloped in 2018 and therefore is recommended to remain open while Rawlings is proposed for future closure because of age and proximity.

On K–8 conversions: The presentation emphasized K–8 models as a way to use existing middle school capacity and increase continuity for students; Oakview is proposed to convert to K–8 in 2026 and Lincoln is projected for conversion in 2028 in some scenarios.

Public process and timing: In‑person engagement was said to continue through Feb. 18, with online engagement through Feb. 19, after which the team will refine scenarios and deliver a final report to the school board for workshops in February–March. Ebaugh reiterated that none of the presented scenarios are final and that community feedback will inform changes.

Next steps: The consultant provided QR codes linking to an interactive map and the online survey and invited attendees to examine property‑level zones before the close of the public comment period. The board will receive revised alternatives in March for further consideration.