LRSD Forward Alert: School Closures Approved
LRSD Forward Alert: School Closures Approved
October 16, 2026
The Little Rock School District Board voted 4–2 on October 15 to approve Option 7 of the LRSD Forward plan. This is no longer a proposal: three elementary schools will close, and attendance zones will change for the 2027–28 school year.
Three elementary schools will close
- Western Hills Elementary
- McDermott Elementary
- Mabelvale Elementary
The closures are scheduled for the end of the 2026–27 school year, with changes taking effect for 2027–28.
Approved attendance-zone changes
| Current school zone | Approved changes |
|---|---|
| Western Hills | Becomes part of an expanded Bale Elementary zone |
| McDermott | Area south of Interstate 630 moves into Bale's zone; remaining boundaries follow Option 7D |
| Mabelvale | Divided among Otter Creek, Chicot and Watson |
Watson Elementary will remain open. The alternative proposal to close Watson and keep Mabelvale open was not selected.
What families need to know
The board also selected Option 7D for McDermott's attendance boundaries.
Some details are still unconfirmed, including:
- Complete street-by-street boundaries
- Final transportation arrangements
- Whether affected families will need to submit new enrollment applications
If your family is zoned for Western Hills, McDermott or Mabelvale, review the approved maps before making any enrollment decisions. We'll share updates as the district releases more details.
Sources
- Official district information: LRSD Forward
- Reporting on the October 15 vote: KARK's school closure report
Bottom line: The school board has approved closing Western Hills, McDermott and Mabelvale elementary schools for the 2027–28 school year.