Parents Advocate for Cleveland’s Smallest School, Transforming Their Children’s Lives
Parents in Cleveland are rallying to advocate for Louisa May Alcott School, determined to transform their children’s lives through community action. Concerns escalated when the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) announced plans to close 18 schools, including Alcott, due to declining enrollment and a need for cost efficiencies.
Background on Alcott School
Alcott, located in the Edgewater neighborhood, is the only public K-5 school in Cleveland, serving 167 students. The district’s goal is a more efficient K-8 school size with approximately 450 students enrolled. In contrast, the proposed merger with Gallagher Elementary could lead to an enrollment of nearly 1,000 students.
Community Response to Proposed Closure
Jonathan Salazar, father of twin boys at Alcott who have special needs, passionately spoke at a school board meeting on November 19, 2025. He emphasized how Alcott’s small class sizes and dedicated staff fostered an environment where his sons thrived. Salazar expressed his gratitude for the support from parents, teachers, and community members working together to save Alcott.
- Alcott’s enrollment: 167 students
- Proposed Gallagher enrollment: nearly 1,000 students
- Closure announcement: November 19, 2025
- School board meeting vote: December 9, 2025
Concerns About Merging with Gallagher
Parents and staff from Alcott raise significant concerns about the impact of merging with a much larger school. They fear that special education students, who make up nearly a third of Alcott’s population, would not receive the necessary attention in a larger setting. Many believe the unique community atmosphere at Alcott is invaluable and cannot be replicated.
Personal Stories Highlighting Alcott’s Importance
Many families have shared their experiences. Salazar reflected on how supportive the Alcott environment has been for his children. Another parent, Mayouri Inthavong, expressed sadness at the thought of losing the close-knit community where her children have grown and thrived.
Brandi Baggerman, new to Cleveland, noted the importance of individualized attention for her son Ryan, emphasizing that such qualities are not measurable in enrollment figures.
Future Implications for Students
The community’s response is not just about numbers; it concerns the emotional and educational well-being of their children. Parents like Trevor Hunt are apprehensive about the drastic changes that may occur if Alcott closes, and some are even considering leaving the district entirely.
With the board set to vote soon, parents are grappling with how to discuss potential changes with their children. Many are trying to prepare their kids for the possibility of attending a new school while maintaining hope for a different outcome.
Continuing Community Efforts
Parents, teachers, and community advocates are actively drafting petitions and attending meetings to voice their concerns. As they consider the future of Alcott School, they emphasize the importance of community, education quality, and the need for specialized support for their children.
The fight to save Alcott continues, reflecting a dedicated parent community determined to advocate for their children’s education and well-being in Cleveland.
