The Clarksdale Municipal School District Board of Trustees announced a series of transformational moves, including the closure of Heidelberg Elementary School.

The moves also include “reclassification” schools throughout the district.

“The board considered three factors,” Clarksdale Superintendent Joe Nelson noted in an open letter to the public dated Feb. 22. These factors have been described as “operational costs with declining enrollment, maximizing federal ESSER allocations, and optimal alignment for student learning and the school. responsibility.”

The community experienced an 18% decline in population between 2010 and 2020 according to the 2020 U.S. Census. This decline is reflected in the student population of city, county, and private schools.

In accordance with the council’s decision at its February 17 meeting, Heidelberg Primary School will close at the end of the 2021-22 school year.

The school reclassifications include Kirkpatrick Elementary School becoming a K-2 school, Oakhurst Intermediate Academy becoming a 3-5 school, Booker T. Washington Elementary School becoming a K-2 school, and George H. Oliver Elementary become a 1st-5th grade school.

The board also announced that 3rd and 4th grade staff from Booker T. Washington Elementary School will be reassigned to George H. Oliver Elementary School. In addition, K-2 staff from George H. Oliver Elementary School will be reassigned to Booker T. Washington Elementary School.

Sixth-grade students will now attend Higgins Middle School, making Higgins a middle school for grades 6-8.

The JW Stampley 9th Grade Academy will become an early childhood center with pre-kindergarten classes from all four elementary schools.

Clarksdale High School will become a secondary school for grades 9-12.

“In light of the changes to school buildings, staff members will be permitted to make transfer requests that will be considered by both school and district management,” Nelson added in his letter.