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Gadsden school board weighs temporary placements as Shanks closure forces complex K–8 logistics
Summary
The Gadsden County School Board discussed temporary placement options after the closure of James A. Shanks Middle School, citing an inoperable air conditioner at Carter Parramore Academy and transportation challenges that could require K–8 splits; the superintendent will return with repair estimates and student counts before the board decides.
The Gadsden County School Board on April 28 discussed where to place students after James A. Shanks Middle School closes, with Superintendent Elijah Key saying he cannot recommend placements until he receives an estimate to repair a nonworking air conditioner at Carter Parramore Academy and final student counts.
Key told the board that Carter Parramore would have been the simplest option but that he “could not make a recommendation to place students and staff at a school where I know the AC is not working.” He said the district is awaiting a repair estimate and will bring that information, together with student numbers, to the next meeting.
Board members and staff outlined significant transportation and scheduling constraints. Key said attempting to move only grades 6–8 would create untenable bus routing and timing problems—forcing some students to be split K–8 across multiple campuses. He explained that sending students from the same community to different schools could produce 30– to 40‑minute pickup delays, both before and after school.
Chairman Leroy McMillan recounted a parent’s concern and cautioned against making decisions based on anecdote alone, but he also passed along the parent’s plea: “please don't send Shanks students to West Gadsden,” which he said he had heard from a seventh grader. Charlie D. Frost noted the move would likely be temporary—about a year and a half—and that the district expects a new school to open on Aug. 22, 2027.
Key told the board that staffing would “follow students,” meaning teachers and recommended employees would be assigned to the campuses where their students are placed. He said the district is analyzing mileage and student residence data to determine logical splits between Havana Magnet School, West Gadsden Middle School, and George W. Munroe Elementary School.
District staff and a district employee speaking at the meeting urged the board to expedite a decision so students can be scheduled and staffing allocations finalized. Rutha Black said delays will hamper the district’s ability to determine required staff allocations and to inform the Florida Department of Education of staffing needs.
No formal placement decision was made. The superintendent said a special board meeting will be scheduled between April 28 and May 12 to revisit the matter after the district has the AC estimate and student counts.
