LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – The state has approved budget cuts for the Little Rock School District that will close three schools and repurpose a fourth as a way to cut about $4 million in expenses.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that Arkansas Education Commissioner Johnny Key approved the cuts Thursday for the state’s largest school district, which the state has taken over.
Superintendent Mike Poore had recommended the closures as part of a plan to cut about $11 million in costs for the next school year.
Franklin Elementary, Woodruff Early Childhood Center and W.D. “Bill” Hamilton Learning Academy will close. Wilson Elementary will house Hamilton’s alternative-education program for secondary-school students who need additional assistance.
The schools’ combined enrollment is about 800 students.
The district has about 24,000 students and a budget of more than $300 million.
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