The Kyrene School District in Arizona is evaluating a proposal to close nine of its schools in the coming years. The recommendation, presented to the district's Governing Board, comes in response to a significant decline in student enrollment and ongoing budget challenges.
Key Takeaways
- A long-range plan recommends the closure of nine schools within the Kyrene School District.
- The district's student population has fallen to 12,000, while its facilities were built to accommodate 20,000.
- Superintendent Laura Toenjes cited empty classrooms and insufficient state funding as primary reasons for the proposal.
- Community input meetings will be held in October and November before any final decisions are made, which could happen in December at the earliest.
Proposal Addresses District-Wide Challenges
On Tuesday, the Kyrene Governing Board reviewed a comprehensive long-range plan developed over seven months. This plan suggests significant changes to the district's structure, including the closure of several campuses to better align resources with the current student population.
Superintendent Laura Toenjes emphasized that the proposal is not just about individual schools but about the overall health of the district. She stated that the recommendations aim to ensure the long-term success and stability of Kyrene as a whole.
"The recommendation they are bringing forth tonight reflects a system-wide approach, not only the needs of each individual school, but the strength and success of Kyrene as a whole," said Superintendent Laura Toenjes.
Planning Committee's Role
The recommendations were formulated by a long-range planning committee. This group, which included parents and school staff members, spent seven months analyzing enrollment data, facility usage, and financial projections to develop a sustainable path forward for the district.
Enrollment Decline at the Core of the Issue
The primary driver behind the proposed closures is a steep drop in student numbers. The district's infrastructure was designed to serve approximately 20,000 students. However, current enrollment stands at just 12,000, and projections indicate this downward trend will continue.
By the Numbers: Kyrene's Enrollment Gap
- Capacity: 20,000 students
- Current Enrollment: 12,000 students
- Gap: 8,000 empty student seats
This discrepancy means many classrooms across the district are underutilized or empty, leading to operational inefficiencies. Superintendent Toenjes also pointed to broader financial issues, noting Arizona's low national ranking for education funding.
"Arizona remains near the bottom of the nation for education funding, that funding is infuriating, but if it suddenly increased, it would not change the fact that too many of our classrooms sit empty," Toenjes explained.
Schools Recommended for Closure or Repurposing
The proposal identifies nine specific schools for closure or change of use. One school, Kyrene del Milenio, is slated to be repurposed as a gifted academy rather than being closed entirely. The consolidation aims to create more robust school communities and concentrate resources more effectively.
List of Affected Schools
- Kyrene de la Colina
- Kyrene de la Estrella
- Kyrene del Milenio (proposed for repurposing)
- Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School
- Kyrene Traditional Academy
- Kyrene de la Mariposa
- Kyrene de la Mirada
- Kyrene del Norte
- Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School
Parent Community Seeks Transparency
The news has prompted concern among parents, many of whom feel they were not informed about the possibility of closures until recently. Liz Bolton, a parent with two children at Kyrene de la Mirada, expressed her appreciation for her children's school environment and her desire for a clear and honest process.
"Immediately upon walking into Mirada, it was evident that it’s a warm and nurturing environment," Bolton said, highlighting the positive experience her family has had. She and other parents are now advocating for more information from the district.
"The biggest message is just pushing for transparency," Bolton stated. "If closures are necessary, I want them to be done for the right reasons."
Next Steps and Community Input
District officials have confirmed that no final decisions were made at the recent board meeting. The proposal is the first step in a longer public process. The district plans to hold several community input hearings throughout October and November to gather feedback from parents, staff, and residents.
This feedback will be considered by the Governing Board before any vote is taken. According to the district, the earliest a final decision could be made is December. This timeline allows for several weeks of public discussion and review of the committee's recommendations.
