Alachua County School Board Approves Revised Boundary Maps

Multiple schools slated for closure as part of district's comprehensive planning initiative

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The School Board of Alachua County (SBAC) has approved preliminary boundary maps for the district's elementary, middle, and high schools, including the closure of several schools. The updated maps were developed as part of the district's 'Our Schools - Future Ready' initiative, which aims to address issues like enrollment, capacity, transportation, and educational programs.

Why it matters

The proposed school closures and boundary changes have raised concerns among some parents and community members, who worry about the impact on students, especially those in East Gainesville where several of the affected schools are located. The school board's decisions will have significant implications for families and the broader community.

The details

The SBAC reviewed and discussed multiple draft boundary map scenarios, ultimately favoring Option D for elementary schools, which would result in the closure of Stephen Foster, Alachua, and Joseph Williams Elementary Schools, as well as Duval Early Learning Center. Rawlings Elementary would remain open and add the VPK program from Duval. For middle schools, the board agreed on Option C, which would create two K-8 schools by adding neighborhoods to Mebane and Oak View. For high schools, the board favored Option D, which would keep the Haile Plantation community together at Buchholz High School.

  • The SBAC held a workshop on February 27, 2026 to review and discuss the updated draft boundary maps.
  • The school board is expected to consider and vote on a final comprehensive plan on March 12, 2026.

The players

School Board of Alachua County (SBAC)

The governing body responsible for the Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) district.

Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS)

The public school district serving Alachua County, Florida.

Thomas Vu

Chair of the School Board of Alachua County.

Brad Rogers

A community member who spoke at the workshop about the impact of Duval Early Learning Academy on his daughter.

Jonathan McMahon

A parent of children who attend Stephen Foster Elementary, which is proposed for closure.

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What they’re saying

“I know there have been floated ideas like a PD [professional development] center [and] turning Duval into that. And I don't see why we couldn't have the PD center also at Duval as well. That just makes the site more efficient resource-wise.”

— Thomas Vu, Board Chair, School Board of Alachua County (mainstreetdailynews.com)

“My daughter is mostly nonverbal. Before this school, we were guessing what she needed...Today, because of the teachers at Duval Early Learning Academy, she can tell us. She can express herself in ways we once feared might never come.”

— Brad Rogers, Community Member (mainstreetdailynews.com)

“Nobody that I speak to wants this [the closure of Stephen Foster] to happen.”

— Jonathan McMahon, Parent (mainstreetdailynews.com)

What’s next

The school board is expected to consider and vote on a final comprehensive plan, including the boundary map changes, at its meeting on March 12, 2026.

The takeaway

The proposed school closures and boundary changes in Alachua County have sparked concerns from parents and community members, particularly in East Gainesville where several of the affected schools are located. The school board's decisions will have significant implications for families and the broader community, and the final vote on March 12 will be closely watched.