LOUISVILLE, Ky (WHAS11) -- Kentucky's biggest middle school is suffering from an overcrowding issue and one of the solutions being discussed by JCPS is to eliminate the successful programs that make students want to attend Crosby Middle School.
Crosby Middle School parents got their chance to weigh in on the problem of overcrowding at the school at a special meeting held Monday night. Concerned parents say they recognize that the congested classrooms needs to be addressed but don't want to see a popular optional program suffer as a result.
Over 1,400 students fill the halls of Crosby Middle School, making it the largest public middle school in Jefferson County. The district supports a final enrollment of just 1,100 students making it no secret that the school has a overcrowding problem. The issue at the forefront right now is how the school is going to fix it. One of the potential solutions has some parents up in arms.
"When the parents found out that the program was at risk, that's when a lot of us got concerned and decided to come to the meeting and voice our concerns," said parent Carrie Floyd.
The program that Floyd is talking about is an advanced Liberal Arts program, a small program that gives students who live outside the school's attendance area a chance to take special classes like art and music courses.
The school also offers an advanced math program called Distinguished Math Scholars commonly referred to as D.M.S. Floyd's daughter is currently enrolled in both and says they've taken her education to a new level.
"She has had an excellent opportunity to learn how to play the flute, you know, which gives her that liberal arts piece along with a great education. She's also in the advanced program as well."
One of the solutions proposed by JCPS is to move the advanced program to a different school, which would take over 200 students along with it. This has raised more concerns as Floyd and other parents with students in the program say they would not want to move their kids as Crosby is one of the top performing schools in the district.
Parents spoke throughout the meeting urging the district to keep the program that they say gives students a leg up before entering high school.
"A lot of the kids that were at Crosby with her were from the optional program and had the program not been available here at Crosby, they wouldn't have had the same opportunities," said vocal parent Jeff Ratanapool.
District representatives ended the meeting saying no definitive decision had been made. Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens says parents do not have to worry about the programs being cut for next school year.
