JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Jackson Public School District (JPS) Board of Trustees approved a recommendation to demolish three closed school sites.
The Board approved the recommendation from Superintendent Dr. Errick L. Greene and the administration during its regular meeting on April 18, 2024.
The following schools will be demolished:
- Baker Elementary, located at 300 E. Santa Clair Street
- French Elementary, located at 311 Joel Avenue
- Woodville Heights Elementary, located at 2930 McDowell Road Extension
After several weeks of deliberation by the Facilities Repurposing Advisory Committee (FRAC), officials recommended that the buildings be demolished due to a lack of interest from potential buyers for redevelopment.
“We determined that the economic value and condition of those properties were not strong after a Request for Interest was issued. We can no longer afford the carrying costs for maintaining the upkeep of the buildings, which have become victims of vandalism,” said Greene.
According to officials, the district’s inability to ensure the vacant buildings’ security further contributed to the recommendation.
A demolition date has not been scheduled. The district will be seeking input from the community on what to do with the empty spaces once demolition is completed.