We, the undersigned, call on the Jefferson County Board of Education to vote NO on Superintendent Brian Yearwood’s proposal to close Liberty High, King Elementary, and Zachary Taylor Elementary, and to relocate Waller-Williams Environmental and the Georgia Chaffee Teenage Parent Program (TAPP). These closures may save a few million dollars—but at a devastating cost to students, families, and entire communities.

These are safe havens, support systems, and lifelines—especially for students who already face significant challenges. Liberty High offers a critical second chance for students who’ve fallen behind, helping them rebuild their confidence and find stability. Zachary Taylor Elementary serves students with disabilities who depend on trusted routines and familiar adults. King Elementary has made major academic strides under new leadership—closing it now would cut short real progress.

Parents, teachers, and mental health professionals have made it clear: these students will not get the same services or support elsewhere. This plan punishes schools that are doing the hard work of supporting the most vulnerable. A mental health practitioner at Liberty put it best: “Does the money the district saves outweigh the harmful effects on our students?”

We understand that JCPS is in a financial crisis, but the $4 million this plan would save is a drop in the bucket compared to the $132 million shortfall—and the long-term harm to students far outweighs these short-term gains. There are other ways to balance the budget without destabilizing lives.

We urge the Jefferson County Board of Education to reject this closure plan and instead work with families, educators, and community members to find budget solutions that preserve the schools that serve those who need them most. Our students deserve more than cost-cutting. They deserve care, stability, and a future.

Photo: Michael Clevenger / Courier Journal