Kyrene, Arizona, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The Kyrene Elementary School District has modified its school closure strategy after community feedback, allowing two schools to remain open. The new plan will see four schools close this year and another four next year to address declining student enrollment and a potential funding loss of $7 million. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide input as the district aims for a final decision by December 16.
Kyrene, Arizona — The Kyrene Elementary School District is changing its proposed school closure plans following significant feedback from the community. The original strategy, which included the closure or repurposing of nine schools, now allows for two schools—Kyrene Del Norte and Kyrene De La Mirada—to remain operational.
Under the revised plan, the timeline to achieve these measures has been shortened from three years to just two years. This new strategy will first see four schools close in the upcoming year, followed by another four schools in the subsequent year. The district currently caters to around 12,000 students, even as it has the capacity to accommodate 20,000 students.
The decision to revise the closure plan comes on the heels of a worrying trend of declining enrollment, with projections forecasting a significant drop. This decline is expected to result in a funding loss of approximately $7 million over the next five years, pushing the district to act swiftly to maintain educational quality.
The district is currently assessing the closure plan and will continue to gather community feedback through October and November. A final decision on the matter is slated for December 16. A special committee has been assembled to evaluate potential school closures and has already proposed various options regarding schools located on both sides of Interstate 10.
The west side schools under consideration for closure are Monte Vista, Estrella, Colina, and Akimel A-al. The schools on the east side that could potentially close include Norte, Mirada, Mariposa, Paloma, Brisas, and Pueblo. This thorough review process examined enrollment trends for seven months, leading to these recommendations.
The district has experienced a significant drop in student enrollment, decreasing from 17,227 in fiscal year 2014 to just 13,555 in fiscal year 2024. These statistics reflect a broader trend that necessitates careful planning to preserve educational opportunities for the students who remain.
The governing board emphasized that any closures are designed with the primary objective of maintaining the quality of education amidst escalating funding challenges. As part of the review process, community meetings will be organized to further solicit input from parents, teachers, and residents.
Currently, no final decisions have been made during recent meetings, and the district has committed to ensuring transparency throughout this process. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in discussions, as their perspectives will inform the district’s strategies moving forward.
FAQs
Why are schools closing in Kyrene Elementary School District?
The closures are primarily due to a significant decline in student enrollment and anticipated funding losses that necessitate adjustments to maintain educational quality.
Which schools are planned for closure?
Initially, nine schools were identified; however, as part of the revision, Kyrene Del Norte and Kyrene De La Mirada will remain open. Schools on the closure list include four schools next year and another four the following year.
When will the final decision on school closures be made?
A final decision regarding the school closures is expected to be made by December 16 after collecting community feedback through October and November.
Key Features of the Revised Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Schools Closing | Four schools next year, four schools the following year |
| Schools Remaining Open | Kyrene Del Norte, Kyrene De La Mirada |
| Projected Enrollment | Currently 12,000, capacity for 20,000 |
| Funding Loss | Estimated $7 million over the next five years |
| Final Decision Date | December 16 |
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Additional Resources
- ABC15 News
- Wikipedia: School Closure
- 12 News
- Google Search: Kyrene Elementary School District
- AZ Family
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Google News: Kyrene School Closures
- AZ Central
- Google Scholar: School Closure Impact
- Hoodline
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