News Summary
Eastwood Elementary School in Millcreek, Utah, faces closure as parents and community members protest the decision by the Granite School District. With a strong performance record and community support, many are concerned about the implications of this proposal. The school has a utilization rate of just 54% and a declining enrollment trend, prompting district officials to consider merging Eastwood with another school. Ongoing discussions and protests highlight the community’s commitment to preserving Eastwood’s educational environment.
Millcreek, Utah – Eastwood Elementary School is facing potential closure, igniting protests from concerned parents and community members within the Granite School District. The protesters are voicing their discontent over what they believe is an illogical decision to shut down a school recognized for its high performance and strong community presence.
The school, which proudly bears the eagle as its mascot, has been the center of passionate demonstrations where attendees chanted, “Don’t mess with our Eagle’s Nest!” Many parents, including Nastasya Mangone, argue that Eastwood is a thriving institution that has achieved significant success, making its proposed closure particularly distressing for families and students. The recent protest was held outside Skyline High School during a boundary meeting aimed at addressing the district’s decision.
Keaton Gelwix, a parent with two children enrolled at Eastwood, expressed feelings of frustration over feeling unheard throughout the district’s decision-making process. Gelwix, like many other parents, emphasized their deep love for the school, contributing to a strong sense of community among families who rely on Eastwood for quality education.
Eastwood Elementary has received recognition as a top 10 elementary school and holds a Gold standing as a STEM institution in Utah. Despite these accolades, the Granite School District cites a significant decline in enrollment as a key factor in the proposal to close the school. Superintendent Ben Horsley revealed that in the past decade alone, the district has seen a decrease of over 15,000 students, accumulating to a total decline of 20,000 students over the last 25 years.
Currently, Eastwood has a utilization rate of just 54%, with an enrollment of 270 students, despite having the capacity to accommodate around 500 students. The proposal suggests merging Eastwood’s boundaries with Oakridge Elementary School, which currently faces a utilization rate of 47%. Oakridge was chosen to remain open due to its larger capacity and more favorable logistical arrangements for school pick-up and drop-off.
The situation at Eastwood is part of a larger trend observed within the Granite School District. Over the past seven years, the district has closed a total of 10 schools, primarily driven by shrinking enrollment figures and shifting demographic patterns within the local community. Additionally, Morningside Elementary School is also under consideration for closure but is proposed to transition to a K-5 French dual language immersion program if that decision is finalized.
As the community rallies against the proposed closures, the school district is analyzing various factors concerning enrollment and the allocation of resources, aiming to make prudent long-term decisions that align with the needs of students and families in the area. Another public meeting is scheduled for November 2023 to discuss the potential closure of Eastwood, with a final decision expected to be reached by December 2023.
The ongoing protests and community engagement highlight the emotional and social challenges presented by school closures. Parents, students, and faculty alike remain hopeful for a resolution that preserves the cherished educational environment fostered at Eastwood Elementary School.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Now
- Wikipedia: Education in Utah
- Salt Lake Tribune
- Google Search: Granite School District
- KSL News
- Google Scholar: School Closures in Utah
- Virtual Builder Exchange
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Millcreek
- KSL TV
- Google News: Millcreek School Closure
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