A low-poor performing school in Autauga County will close this summer after struggles with student performance and budgets.
Autaugaville School is closing at the end of this academic year due to “declining student enrollment, poor academic performance, and the district’s continued budgetary constraints,” according to a news release.
“I’d be lying if I told you that this isn’t a struggle,” Lyman Woodfin, Autauga County Schools superintendent, told board members before voting to close.
Woodfin said he’s committed to helping the 217 K-12 students transition to other schools in Billingsley and Prattville after this “gut-wrenching” decision.
Student enrollment decreases “led to challenges in maintaining educational quality and resource allocation.”
The Alabama State Department of Education gave the school an F on state report cards this year, counting it as a “priority” school and giving families the option to transfer students to a different school in the district. It had previously earned a C grade.
According to state department data, 87% of students attending the school are Black.
Administrators said that if the school stayed open, enrollment would continue to drop. They projected 180 to 190 students for next year, because some families opted to transfer to a non-priority school. Support staff funding is cut off once enrollment drops below 200.
“We understand that this decision is a difficult one, and we deeply care about how it will impact students, families, and staff,” Woodfin said in the release. “Our focus will be on ensuring that all students have the necessary resources and support to continue their education at another district school. We remain committed to delivering a high-quality education for all students across the district.”
Administrators will assist employees with reassignments to other schools. Woodfin said he will not cut positions.