Families zoned for Jones Elementary School in Springdale will attend Bayyari Elementary or Knapp Elementary starting this fall, following approval of attendance zone changes by the Springdale School Board on Tuesday.
The reassignment affects students living within the current Jones Elementary boundary, which had been used since the school’s closure at the end of the 2023-24 academic year. Jones was closed due to declining enrollment and ongoing facility concerns, according to district officials. The new boundaries place those students in two neighboring schools: Bayyari Elementary, located at 2025 E. Pickens Road, and Knapp Elementary, at 2200 W. Ross Clark Drive.
Bayyari Elementary is expected to absorb the majority of the relocated students. The school opened in 2019 and currently serves grades pre-K through fifth grade. Knapp Elementary, which serves the same grade levels, is also accepting students from the former Jones zone as part of the redistribution plan.
According to Springdale Public Schools, the boundary adjustment is designed to balance enrollment across the district’s elementary schools and optimize available classroom space. A district analysis conducted last fall showed that Bayyari and Knapp had capacity to accommodate additional students without exceeding recommended class sizes.
“This decision was made with careful consideration of class size, transportation logistics, and proximity to students’ homes,” said a district spokesperson during Tuesday’s board meeting. “We understand that changing schools can be difficult for families, and we’re committed to making the transition as smooth as possible.”
Some families expressed concern during public comment at the meeting, particularly regarding busing arrangements and the impact on existing school communities. One parent noted that siblings who previously attended Jones together may now be split between two schools. District officials responded that transportation routes are being updated to reflect the new boundaries and that efforts are underway to ensure minimal disruption.
Springdale Public Schools has not announced plans to reopen Jones Elementary. The building remains under review for potential repurposing, though no specific use has been finalized. The district is working with architects and community stakeholders to evaluate options, including converting the site into a centralized district facility or early childhood learning center.
The attendance changes come as Springdale Public Schools continues to manage growth and shifting demographics in the region. Enrollment across the district has increased by approximately 8% over the past five years, with new housing developments in the southern and eastern parts of the city contributing to the rise.
For families affected by the boundary changes, the district has scheduled a series of transition meetings at both Bayyari and Knapp Elementary in the coming weeks. Principals from each school will be available to answer questions and provide information on enrollment, busing, and student support services.
Parents can access the updated attendance maps and detailed boundary information on the district’s official website. Families who live in the former Jones Elementary zone and have questions about their new school assignment are encouraged to contact Springdale Public Schools directly at (479) 750-8000.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
