School Board Workshop 4-29-26

The Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) School Board held a workshop on April 29, 2026, focusing primarily on proposals for school consolidations, rezoning, and restructuring in the Alachua area. Key procurement-related discussions included the potential closure of Alachua Elementary, Foster Elementary, and Williams Elementary, and the expansion of Oak View Middle School, Mebane Middle School, and Lincoln Middle School into pre-K through 8th-grade schools. The board reviewed multiple zoning options, facility capacities, and the impact of new housing developments on student enrollment. They also discussed the financial implications of building renovations and new construction, emphasizing efficient use of existing facilities to avoid unnecessary capital expenditures. Additionally, the board addressed staffing transitions related to school closures, including teacher placements guided by seniority and certification status, and the development of a memorandum of understanding with unions to manage these changes. The meeting also covered the district's efforts to develop standard operating procedures across departments to improve consistency, compliance, and operational transparency. No formal votes were recorded during the workshop, but there was a clear preference among board members for maintaining Irby Elementary as a K-4 school with fifth grade moving to Mebane, reflecting community input. The board also discussed potential future uses of closed school properties, emphasizing community use and minimizing district liabilities.