Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is considering significant school closures and consolidations to address a $188 million budget deficit, with proposals including closing Zachary Taylor Elementary and Liberty High School, merging King Elementary into Maupin Elementary, and relocating the Georgia Chaffee Teenage Parent Program. The district aims to save approximately $4 million through these changes. Community members, students, and teachers have expressed strong opposition, emphasizing the emotional and educational impact of losing schools like Liberty High, which serves students facing difficulties at other schools. Liberty student Kaitlin Webster-Hayes shared her positive experience at Liberty, highlighting its importance for students who have faced bullying and trauma. Teachers and alumni also voiced concerns about the loss of specialized programs and support systems. Superintendent Brian Yearwood acknowledged the emotional difficulty of these decisions but defended the proposals as necessary for making the best use of space and resources. The JCPS board is scheduled to vote on these proposals on December 9 after three public feedback sessions. The district serves over 94,000 students and faces the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with community needs.