West Memphis, AR, September 10, 2025
News Summary
The West Memphis School District is exploring significant changes to its school structure due to a decline in enrollment, losing about 1,000 students over the past decade. School Superintendent Eric Foister cited low birth rates and housing shortages as critical factors affecting student population. To involve the community, the district is holding several meetings for feedback. Proposed plans include merging schools and changing grade structures. The school board is set to vote on these changes next week, with implementation planned for the 2026-2027 school year.
West Memphis School District Considers Major Restructuring Amid Enrollment Decline
The West Memphis School District is contemplating significant changes to its structure, including consolidating schools and restructuring grade levels, in response to a decline in student enrollment. The district has seen a drop of approximately 1,000 students over the past decade, raising concerns about its operational viability and educational effectiveness.
Despite the city of West Memphis experiencing growth, the school district faces challenges related to decreasing birth rates in the Delta region and a lack of adequate housing. Superintendent Eric Foister has identified these declining birth rates and the insufficient housing options as primary factors contributing to the dwindling student population.
To address these concerns, the district has scheduled four community meetings to solicit input from parents and other stakeholders before the school boardโs anticipated vote next week on the proposed restructuring plan. The first of these meetings occurred on September 8 at Weaver Elementary, where parents voiced their concerns about how potential changes could disrupt their routines. One parent highlighted worries about the impact on school pick-up schedules for her grandchildren who currently attend three different schools.
Proposed Changes to School Structure
Under the proposed restructuring plan, the West Memphis School District would merge Weaver Elementary and Maddux Elementary schools. Additionally, sixth graders would transition to West Memphis Junior High School, while ninth graders would integrate with high school students starting next school year. This restructuring would lead to the establishment of new grade groupings across the district, specifically Kโ5 for elementary, 6โ8 for junior high, and 9โ12 for high school.
Superintendent Foister has reassured the community that no employees within the district would lose their jobs as a result of these proposed changes. He emphasized the importance of community feedback and involvement in the decision-making process, indicating that the plan is still open for discussion and refinement based on input received during meetings.
Path Forward for the West Memphis School District
The school board is expected to cast a vote on the restructuring proposal next week. If approved, the changes are set to take effect in the 2026โ2027 school year. Community involvement will be a key component of this process as district leaders seek to balance educational needs with the realities of changing demographics and housing conditions in the area.
FAQ
What is the main reason for the proposed restructuring in the West Memphis School District?
The primary reason for the proposed restructuring is the decline in student enrollment, attributed to decreasing birth rates and a lack of housing options in the area.
When is the school board expected to vote on the proposed changes?
The school board is anticipated to vote on the proposed changes next week.
What changes are proposed in the restructuring plan?
The proposed changes include merging Weaver Elementary and Maddux Elementary, moving sixth graders to junior high, and integrating ninth graders with high school students, creating new grade groupings of Kโ5, 6โ8, and 9โ12.
Will any school district employees lose their jobs due to the proposed plan?
No district employees are expected to lose their jobs as a result of the proposed changes.
When would the proposed changes take effect?
If approved, the restructuring changes would take effect in the 2026โ2027 school year.
Key Features of Proposed Plan
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Decline | Approximately 1,000 students lost in the last decade. |
| School Mergers | Weaver Elementary and Maddux Elementary to merge. |
| Grade Structure Changes | New groupings: Kโ5, 6โ8, 9โ12. |
| Community Involvement | Four meetings planned for feedback before the vote. |
| Job Security | No job losses expected among district employees. |
| Effective Date | Proposed implementation in the 2026โ2027 school year. |
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Additional Resources
- Local Memphis: West Memphis School District Considers Consolidation
- WREG: West Memphis School District Holding Meetings on Realignment Plan
- FOX13: West Memphis Teacher Arrested for Refusing Breathalyzer
- Google Search: West Memphis School District
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
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