Memphis-Shelby County Schools confirmed on May 20 that Ida B. Wells Academy will relocate to the Norris Achievement Academy building for at least one year while its original building closes. The K-8 alternative school’s students and staff will move as a distinct unit, unlike four other schools closing this year whose students will be dispersed into nearby schools.

The Memphis school board voted in February to shut down Ida B. Wells Academy after determining its building was severely underenrolled—with more than 400 open seats—and required nearly $6 million in facility repairs. Superintendent Roderick Richmond had previously said the district was considering a temporary transfer for the school.

Chief Academic Officer Angela Whitelaw said the decision to preserve Ida B. Wells as a separate school stemmed from strong community support expressed during closure meetings in winter. “Hearing that feedback and listening at both meetings, we wanted to lift up the programming that the school had.” She added that the district is planning as if all current students will make the move to Norris, though some families have already chosen other schools for next year.

Director of Alternative Education Melita Thomas said Ida B. Wells’ class sizes will remain unchanged and its students will not mix with those from Norris Achievement Academy. The school will share exploratory staff such as art, music, and physical education teachers to maximize efficiency. “Some teachers may not want to go in a building where there are two schools,” she noted.

Principal Tarcia Gilliam-Parish and some teachers will join the transition. Ida B. Wells will stay open in Norris for at least one year but with no guarantee beyond that. “We want to make sure that we get in there and see, to give the programming some additional time, as well as the students to transition.”