Kyrene School District Proposes Closure of Nine Schools

News Summary

In response to a significant drop in student enrollment and a $7 million budget shortfall, the Kyrene School District has proposed closing nine schools. The closure plan follows a comprehensive review by a committee of community members, aiming to stabilize the district’s finances. With enrollment dropping from 20,000 to 12,000 over recent years, the recommended restructuring includes reducing middle schools and elementary schools. This proposal has sparked concern among parents, with a final decision expected in December.

Tempe, Arizona – The Kyrene School District has proposed the closure of nine schools as a response to declining student enrollment and a significant budget shortfall. This decision comes as the district faces a staggering drop in student numbers, declining from approximately 20,000 to 12,000, which has resulted in a $7 million budget deficit. The plan was presented to the governing board earlier this week and is aimed at ensuring the district’s financial stability moving forward.

The Kyrene School District currently operates a total of 25 schools, which includes six middle schools, two K-8 schools, and 17 elementary schools. Following a thorough seven-month research process by a long-range planning committee consisting of nearly 60 community members, including parents and educators, the recommendation to close schools was made based on careful analysis of various factors, including school capacity, demographic data, and past enrollment trends.

The proposed restructuring would reduce the number of middle schools from six to four and the number of elementary schools from 17 to 13, while also eliminating the current K-8 model. The nine schools identified for potential closure include:

• Monte Vista
• Estrella
• Colina
• Akimel A-al
• Norte
• Mirada
• Mariposa
• Paloma
• Brisas
• Pueblo

This decision has sparked shock and concern among parents, particularly those like Laura Bradley, who have children enrolled in the affected schools. The impending closures highlight a broader trend of enrollment loss experienced by many school districts within the Valley.

Kyrene’s enrollment drop has substantially impacted its funding, with nearly 70% of the district’s annual budget derived from state funding that is contingent on student numbers. Contributing factors to the declining enrollment include lower birth rates and a lack of affordable housing in the area, leading to fewer families moving into the district.

In light of the financial challenges, the committee recognized that closing schools was a difficult yet necessary strategy to address the budget shortfall. Members stressed the importance of the decision, emphasizing that it was not made lightly and came after thorough discussion and consideration of the district’s financial situation.

While the district is still assessing the potential impact on staff due to the proposed school closures, there is a hope that reductions can occur gradually through natural attrition such as retirements. However, the administration anticipates that operational downsizing may lead to decreased non-classroom staff positions as well.

A final decision regarding the school closures is expected to be made in December. In the meantime, community meetings are scheduled to allow parents and staff to discuss the recommendations and provide feedback. Topics for discussion will include the changing boundaries, school conditions, and future meeting locations within the district. Many parents and educators are actively seeking ways to persuade board members against the proposed closures before the final vote.

The Kyrene School District has experienced fluctuating enrollment patterns since the 1990s and 2000s, adjusting its facilities and resources accordingly in response to growth. Currently, however, the district is in a position where it must restructure itself in response to a stark decline in student enrollment.

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Additional Resources

• ABC 15: Nine Schools Listed for Potential Closure in Kyrene District
• Ahwatukee News: Kyrene Schools Could be Closed
• AZ Central: Kyrene School Board and Air Quality
• Google Search: Kyrene School District
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School