J. B. Young School's rich history in Davenport could be entering its final chapter.
"I would be sad to see J. B. close," said alumna Vanessa Jones.
Davenport schools hope to save nearly $2 million by closing it at the end of the upcoming school year.
Jones, who is also a Davenport teacher, is enrolling her two grandchildren.
"It's a big step for the district," she said. "I do understand their reasons; however, it's a big inconvenience for our families."
But expenses and enrollment just don't add up these days.
The school only uses about a third of its space, with just over 300 students attending in grades K-8.
"Every district needs to say, what size district are we?" said Dr. Art Tate, Davenport superintendent. "What does the future hold for our size? And then, make sure that you downsize to get there."
Dr. Tate will host two meetings at the school on August 18th. Meetings will start at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at 1702 North Main Street in Davenport.
For Davenport's future, J. B. Young offers the smallest footprint and fewer places to expand.
Students and staff would relocate to five nearby schools, with no job losses expected.
"It really is a matter of efficiency," Dr. Tate continued. "When you have too many buildings, then you have to look at which ones to consider closing."
J. B. Young School would also cost $11 million to meet long range standards. That more than doubles the cost of other needy Davenport schools.
The district can save more money by moving its offices to JB Young while selling its building on Brady Street.
Dr. Tate envisions the first floor of the school possibly becoming a community center, with a gym, cafeteria and classrooms available.
"I keep thinking that we can make this into something that really would be an asset to the neighborhood," he said.
It's just the start of a lengthy evaluation process. The school board could make its final decision in late October.
Dr. Tate may also recommend closing another school or downsizing administration in another year as a cost-cutting move.
"It's really difficult," Jones concluded. "But it's promising to know that the district's going to keep it and utilize it. That's important to me."
It could be a final chapter with a new beginning for J. B. Young School in Davenport.