Hillsborough school board passes school boundary changes, votes to close Just Elementary School

TAMPA, Fla. - In its first vote on Superintendent Addison Davis' proposed school boundary change, the Hillsborough County school board approved the changes in a 4-3 vote.

The board also decided to close Just Elementary School in a 4-3 vote.

The superintendent has said there are schools at more than 110% capacity while others are below 60%. He believes balancing out those numbers would save the district more than $13 million. More than 15,000 students at 100 schools will be impacted if the plan passes.

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"Something has to be done. We have to make tough decisions, and these are decisions that are unpopular, but we have to make them and be consistent in our approach as we do so," Davis said. "The unknown is somewhat frustrating and can be frustrating to the administration, could be frustrating to community members. It could be frustrating to parents, to students."

Davis' plan includes the full closure and repurposing of six schools. Four other schools would be partially repurposed.

"I think we need to be even more aggressive with some of the boundary changes because some of the areas are just not sustainable," said Board Chair Nadia Combs.

The proposal to close Just Elementary was being addressed as a separate measure, because it would take effect at the end of the current school year. Board members previously gave the plan preliminary approval. 

The decision impacts 284 students currently enrolled at the school. Sixty people signed up for public comment during Tuesday’s board meeting with the majority speaking against the closing of Just Elementary.

"I'm a single mom. I don't have transportation so even with them getting bussed to the school, if something happens at the school and I got to pick them up early, or it’s an emergency I don’t’ have transportation," one parent said. 

RELATED: Hillsborough school board votes to close F-rated school despite pleas from parents

Community members have urged the board to reconsider. Board member Jessica Vaughn believes the district should try to find a different option that includes working with the community to improve the F-rated school.

"I think that we should move forward without closing the school personally," Vaughn told FOX 13. "We should listen to the community that's already there and listen to what they are willing to invest and come back to the table with what we think will be successful."

Only Just Elementary School is facing immediate action. The rest of the superintendent's plan would take effect in the 2024-25 school year.