Amid shifting demographic trends and declining student numbers, the Kyrene School District is evaluating the possibility of closing multiple schools. This strategic consideration comes as the district anticipates a significant drop in enrollment, which could result in a substantial financial deficit.
Initially designed to accommodate around 20,000 students, Kyrene School District now forecasts a reduction to approximately 11,000 to 12,000 students over the next five years. Such a decline could lead to an estimated $7 million shortfall in funding.
A long range planning committee has proposed several strategies to address this issue. Among these are the potential merger of dual language schools, the establishment of a gifted academy, and the closure of nine schools — five on the east and four on the west side of Interstate 10.
Erin Wilkinson, a parent and PTO president at Kyrene de la Mirada, located on the east side, expressed concerns. “We understand that they have to restructure, we understand that they do have to close some schools,” Wilkinson said, “but closing five will kind of put all the schools on our side of the freeway at pretty near capacity limits.”
Proposals to merge dual-language schools in Kyrene are stirring opposition among parents and community stakeholders, who are keen to prevent these changes.
Schools on the east side already have higher student populations. “The two accepted plans leave the schools on the east side at 90-plus percent capacity, whereas the schools on the west side will be down in the 70s,” Wilkinson noted. “The district has put out in the past that their ideal operational capacity for schools is between 75% and 85%.”
To guide their decision, the district has engaged a demographer to analyze population dynamics and current school boundaries. Nevertheless, some parents argue that factors beyond demographics should be considered. Wilkinson highlighted the importance of the programs at her school, which include a leadership curriculum, a robust special education department, and strong community ties.
“These are things that we think will be a big loss if Mirada closes,” Wilkinson remarked. “Those programs offer a lot to the community and so that’s a big reason why people choose to come to us.”
In light of the possible closures, Wilkinson mentioned that numerous families are contemplating leaving the district altogether.
The district has assured the community that no final decisions will occur before December, allowing time for further dialogue and feedback from families, staff, and community members.
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