Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) has begun mailing new attendance zone assignments to families following approval of a districtwide rezoning and school consolidation plan for the 2026 to 2027 school year.
The School Board of Alachua County recently approved a districtwide right-sizing initiative that includes new attendance boundaries, future school closures and several campus reconfigurations aimed at addressing declining enrollment across the county. District officials said the changes will take effect for the 2026-27 school year and represent the first comprehensive rezoning of elementary, middle and high schools since 2003.
As part of the rollout, ACPS has begun sending customized letters to families with updated school assignments based on their home addresses. The district noted that school assignments vary by household depending on location.
What’s Happening
According to ACPS, the district currently has approximately 6,600 empty student seats spread across its schools due to declining birth rates and increased school-choice options, including Florida’s universal voucher program.
The approved plan includes:
- New attendance boundaries districtwide beginning in 2026-27
- Stephen Foster Elementary School closing after the current school year
- Joseph Williams Elementary School projected to close after 2027-28
- Alachua Elementary School projected to close after 2027-28
- Lincoln Middle School transitioning into a renovated K-8 campus
- Oak View Middle School becoming a PreK-8 school this fall
District leaders said additional decisions involving Irby Elementary School and Mebane Middle School are expected later this spring.
“This plan will allow us to focus our resources on expanding and enhancing educational programs and updating our school facilities,” Superintendent Dr. Kamela Patton said in a statement released by the district.
What Families Need to Know
In its mailed notices, ACPS told families that most students will not need to re-register if their address information in Skyward is accurate. The district also clarified:
- Student records will automatically transfer to newly assigned schools.
- Students enrolled in magnet programs may remain enrolled without reapplying.
- Students in Exceptional Student Education or ESOL programs can continue in those programs.
- Families seeking a different school assignment must apply annually for a zoning exception.
- Transportation is not provided for zoning exceptions.
The district said students currently in the final grade level at their school may request permission to remain at that campus for the 2026-27 school year.
Families interested in other school options may also apply for available magnet programs during the district’s late application period.
Why It Matters for Local Families
The rezoning changes could impact school transportation, school choice decisions and future enrollment patterns for Gainesville-area families.
District officials said the changes are intended to reduce spending on underused facilities and redirect resources toward academic programming, facility upgrades and student services.
ACPS said it is working to provide a smooth transition for families as the new boundaries take effect.
Families can review updated attendance maps and rezoning information through Alachua County Public Schools’ Future Ready webpage. Additional school board discussions involving Irby Elementary and Mebane Middle School are expected later this spring.
Related Articles
ACPS Hosting Free Summer Meals Event With Activities for Kids June 3
Everything to Know About the Mandatory EKGs for Florida Student Athletes
