MPS school on list to close will remain open another year

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - Another of the Montgomery Public Schools that was initially closing after this school year will remain open for one more year, according to MPS Senior Communication Officer Tom Salter.

Dozier Elementary will be open for the 2018-2019 school year, a decision that was made by MPS Superintendent Dr. Ann Roy Moore. State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey believes it's a move that will end up being cost effective.

"Due to the lateness in the year, it has been determined that MPS cannot adequately make all the necessary changes and transfers without bringing in a large and expensive cohort of outside help," said Mackey. "Leaving Dozier open for one more year is the least costly option. We support Dr. Moore's decision."

Wednesday, the state and Alabama Education Association came to a settlement over MPS schools that included Chisholm Elementary, another MPS school that was to close, remaining open for five more years.

"We just don't have enough time to get everything accomplished," said Moore. "We will close Dozier at the end of next year, and now we have the time necessary to do it the right way."

Three public information hearings about general rezoning will be hosted by MPS over the next two weeks. The dates are May 31 at Park Crossing High School, June 4 at Carver High School, and June 7 at Lee High School.

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