Metro Nashville Public Schools superintendent Adrienne Battle has introduced the first phase of a multiyear proposal to close and consolidate several underpopulated schools in North Nashville.
The Nashville Tennessean reports that Buena Vista Elementary, Robert E. Lillard Elementary, Joelton Middle School and Cohn Learning Center would close and consolidate with surrounding schools under the proposal.
Battle says the consolidations, part of the district's ReimaginED proposal, would "optimize learning environments and educational outcomes" and bring about greater equity for students.
Over the past few years, the Nashville district has held community conversations about the negative impact of under-enrollment at North Nashville schools.
"Consolidation is never easy," Battle says. "It can be a painful process for those who have loving memories and emotional connections to school buildings, but it increases the purchasing power of schools to meet the needs of the students they serve."
The consolidation proposal could save the district up to $3.4 million annually.
North Nashville schools have lost enrollment as more students take advantage of other options, including attending other public schools outside of their zone and charter schools.
The consolidation proposal:
- Buena Vista Elementary would close and its students would attend Jones Paideia Elementary.
- Robert E. Lillard Elementary would close and its students would be divided between Alex Green Elementary and Cumberland Elementary.
- Joelton Middle would close and students would attend Haynes Middle.
- Cohn Learning Center would close and its students would attend high schools throughout Davidson County
