Lawrence Township plans Afrocentric school despite concerns on finances and equity

This story was originally posted on Chalkbeat. The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township plans to revive a former middle school that was once shuttered amid declining enrollment and launch a new school with an Afrocentric focus in 2027. Craig Prep Academy for grades 5-8 will bring back 400 students to the former Craig Middle School that closed in 2010 — one of many facility changes scheduled as the district renovates buildings districtwide and adjusts to a growing student population. Currently, the district has two 7-8 middle schools and 11 elementary schools that serve up to sixth grade. Officials say the school, the blueprint for which the school board approved last month in a 3-1 vote, fills a community desire for a small school at the middle grades. It will also ensure the district will not have to surrender the building to charter schools under a state law that requires underutilized buildings to be made available to charters for the sale or lease price of $1. The Afrocentric concept will serve a township where nearly half of all students, or 45%, are Black, according to the latest 2024-25 demographics presented to the board last month. Another 32% are Hispanic and...