Tommy Wells Supports Mayor’s School Closure Plan; Calls for Community Planning Process for Future Uses

Councilmember Tommy Wells today stated his support for the final school closure recommendations put forward by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Chancellor Michelle Rhee.

“I commend the Mayor and Chancellor for taking this bold step and making the tough decisions that our school system needs to enhance programs and improve the experience for our students,” commented Mr. Wells.

In Ward 6, three schools are on the final list of recommended school closures: Bowen Elementary School in Southwest, Gibbs Elementary School in Northeast, and Hine Junior High School in Southeast. The closure plan is coupled with new programs to be added at four Ward 6 schools: technology programs at Amidon Elementary School and Jefferson Middle School in Southwest, Reggio Emilia early childhood program at Miner Elementary School in Northeast, and Montessori early childhood program at Payne Elementary School in Southeast.

Councilmember Wells stated, “As we move forward with this closure plan, it is vital that the Chancellor continue to work closely with the parents and students affected. I appreciate that she has taken to heart my concerns about the need for immediate actions to provide reliable and safe transportation for all of the students moving to new schools.”

Looking at the next steps in the planning process, Councilmember Wells called on the Mayor to work closely with the community to plan for the building’s uses. “I want to see Gibbs maintain an educational purpose to keep the building in our inventory for future needs and I want to see Bowen remain a public asset, keeping the Boys & Girls Club at the building when the new 1st District MPD headquarters move in.”

Referring to the future use of Hine Jr. High School, Wells said, “I’m kicking off a community planning process for the future of the Hine Jr. High site. The future of this site needs to ensure it is a contributing asset to the neighborhoods around it and maintains a public use.”

Councilmember Wells stated he will reach out to several community organizations, including ANC 6B, Capitol Hill Community Foundation, Eastern Market Citizens Advisory Committee, Barracks Row Main Street, CHAMPS, and Capitol Hill Restoration Society to begin the community planning process for the Hine Jr. High site.