JCPS proposes to merge 2 elementary schools, split 1 middle school

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is recommending a proposal that could lead to some schools merging and splitting, in response to shifting enrollment numbers and space concerns.

The district is looking at a plan that would merge Young Elementary with Engelhard Elementary due to declining enrollment at both schools.

If approved, Young students would relocate to Engelhard’s building in Old Louisville.

Young’s current building in the California neighborhood would be used to accommodate sixth graders from Hudson Middle School.

Seventh and eighth graders at Hudson would remain in their current building.

Current School Locations

Proposed School Locations

As part of the proposed changes, the newly combined elementary school will be named Whitney Young Elementary @ Engelhard. JCPS said that this name reflects a commitment to honoring local legacies.

Whitney M. Young Jr., born in Shelbyville, Kentucky, was a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement and Victor Engelhard was a former president of the Louisville Board of Education, according to JCPS board agenda.

This transition follows a previous switch at the start of the current school year, when Young and Hudson swapped buildings to provide middle school students with more space.

JCPS said splitting Hudson in two buildings is only temporary as a new middle school building is under construction at 18th and Broadway.

For some families, the frequent relocations have been challenging. Linda Cochran, whose granddaughter is a second grader at Young Elementary, says the uncertainty has been difficult.

“She’s had to move twice in her young life from schools,” Cochran said. “For her, it doesn’t illustrate stability.”

Although she is not thrilled about another move, Cochran does prefer Engelhard’s location over Young’s.

“I’ve seen some things that are not quite safe,” she said.

JCPS board member Taylor Everett expressed confidence in the district’s plan.

“It will get us to a spot that until that building is built, student outcomes are going to be the best they can be,” Everett said. “I trust them this is the right decision.”

The JCPS Board of Education is set to vote on the proposal at its meeting on Tuesday at the Van Hoose Education Center. The meeting is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

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