TAMPA, Fla. — Almost a year after the Hillsborough County School Board closed a west Tampa elementary school, the district has announced plans to build a new middle and elementary school in the same spot.

What You Need To Know

  • Hillsborough County Public Schools has announced plans to rebuild Stewart Middle School and the former site of Just Elementary

  • The project, estimated to cost about $70 million, will create a central location for students to attend pre-k through middle school

  • This is the first time new schools will be built in Tampa's urban core since Blake High School 30 years ago

  • The district anticipates the new schools will be ready to welcome students in the Fall of 2027, though there still needs to be a board vote before construction can start

The plan is to tear down Stewart Middle School and the site of the former Just Elementary School, and put two new buildings in its place.

According to the school district, these schools will be the first built in Tampa’s urban core since Blake High School opened 30 years ago.

It’s a big change for a school the district said was underperforming.

Hillsborough County School Board member Shake Washington voted against closing Just Elementary in May, but said the new project it’s great for the students because they’ll be able to stay in the same area from pre-k through middle school.

“These kids are able to go in the same community, less than a mile for 14 years,” said Washington. “That's never been done because over all the years. Kids, Black kids, have been moved a lot.”

Officials expect it to take about three years before the $70-million project is complete.

These new schools will be independent but connected to each other so students can continue to go to school in the same location.

“It's just so important, a neighborhood school,” said School Board member Lynn Gray. “And I've taught many, many years in neighborhood schools. It brings the parents inside to get involved with their students, their children. And it brings the community inside to get involved with the students. So, it's a win-win situation for education at its best.”

In May, the school board voted 4-3 to close Just Elementary, the only school with a “F” letter grade from the state.

The district anticipates the new schools will open in the Fall of 2027.