News Summary

The Kyrene Elementary School District is revising its school closure strategy based on community input. Initially planning to close nine schools due to declining enrollment, the district will now keep two schools open and accelerate closures over the next two years. Facing a projected enrollment drop and a potential funding loss of $7 million, the district aims to finalize decisions by December 16 while actively engaging with the community for feedback.

Tempe, Arizona — The Kyrene Elementary School District is making significant adjustments to its school closure plan in response to community input. Initially, there were plans to close or repurpose nine schools due to declining student enrollment, but the revised blueprint now allows Kyrene Del Norte and Kyrene De La Mirada to remain open.

The district, which currently serves about 12,000 students—well below its capacity of 20,000—has shifted the implementation timeline from a lengthy three years to a more immediate two-year plan. Under this new timeline, four schools will be closed in the upcoming academic year, with an additional four schools set to close the following year.

Facing a projected decline in enrollment and a corresponding loss of funding that could reach $7 million over the next five years, the district’s governing board has recognized the need to adapt its plans to maintain educational quality. A long-range planning committee spent seven months examining enrollment trends and assessing the implications of proposed school closures.

Details of Closures

The schools slated for potential closure span both sides of Interstate 10. On the west side, the schools under consideration include Monte Vista, Estrella, Colina, and Akimel A-al. Meanwhile, on the east side, the schools at risk are Norte, Mirada, Mariposa, Paloma, Brisas, and Pueblo.

According to data, Kyrene’s enrollment has significantly decreased from 17,227 in fiscal year 2014 to 13,555 in fiscal year 2024. This decline underscores the urgency behind the district’s actions to reevaluate its school operation plans. While the district has not made final decisions during the recent meetings, it has committed to an ongoing review process intended to maintain transparency with stakeholders.

Community Engagement

The Kyrene Elementary School District is fully engaging with the community by planning a series of public meetings to gather feedback regarding the proposed school closures. This is part of an effort to actively involve parents, residents, and other stakeholders in discussions that will affect local educational resources.

As this relatively swift planning process continues, the district aims to finalize its decision by December 16. The timeline represents a shift from the prior approach, emphasizing the importance of swift adaptation in addressing financial concerns while maintaining educational standards for the remaining schools.

Conclusion

In summary, the Kyrene Elementary School District is responding to declining enrollment and financial challenges by revising its school closure strategy. The decision to keep Kyrene Del Norte and Kyrene De La Mirada open reflects community feedback while the district prepares for further changes in the coming years. The focus on preserving educational quality amid unfavorable enrollment trends will guide the district’s next steps as they continue to seek input from the community.

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Kyrene Elementary School District Adjusts Closure Plans