Kyrene, Arizona, August 30, 2025
News Summary
The Kyrene School District is planning to close nine schools due to a significant drop in enrollment and a daunting $7 million budget shortfall. With current student numbers dropping from 20,000 to about 12,000, the district’s long-range planning committee proposed the closures as a means to stabilize finances. Parents express concerns over the consequences of these closures, and community meetings are scheduled for discussion before a final decision is expected in December.
Kyrene, Arizona – The Kyrene School District is contemplating the closure of nine schools due to a large decline in student enrollment and significant budget shortfalls. This proposed measure comes as the district attempts to stabilize its finances, having recently observed a drop in student numbers from approximately 20,000 to about 12,000 over recent years.
Currently, the district operates a total of 25 schools, comprised of six middle schools, two K-8 schools, and 17 elementary schools. However, the long-range planning committee, which includes nearly 60 community members consisting of parents, educators, and stakeholders, has conducted extensive research over the last seven months. The culmination of their efforts has led to a recommendation to downsize the school district’s infrastructure.
The committee submitted its final recommendation to the district’s governing board this week. The proposed restructuring would potentially reduce the number of schools to four middle schools and 13 elementary schools while eliminating the existing K-8 model.
The nine schools identified for closure include:
- West Side: Monte Vista, Estrella, Colina, and Akimel A-al
- East Side: Norte, Mirada, Mariposa, Paloma, Brisas, and Pueblo
Concerns are rising among parents, particularly among those like Laura Bradley, a parent with two children affected by the proposed closure, who expressed shock at the announcement. Enrollment declines have significantly impacted the district’s finances, with approximately 70% of their funding derived from state sources, which directly correlate with student enrollment numbers. The district faces a $7 million budget shortfall, driven in part by lower birth rates and a shortage of affordable housing.
In response to the financial crisis, the committee aimed to recommend school closures to alleviate the budget issues. Factors considered for these school closures included school capacity, demographic data, and historical enrollment trends. The decision-making process was noted as challenging, emphasizing that the choice to close schools was not taken lightly.
While the district is unsure about the specific impact on staff positions, it hopes to navigate potential reductions through natural attrition, including potential retirements. Administrative operations may also see changes with fewer schools, which could lead to the reduction of non-classroom staff roles.
Community meetings are set to be held for parents and staff, allowing them to discuss the recommendations and provide feedback. A final decision regarding the closures is expected in December. Parents and educators are eager to present their case against the closures before the governing board votes on the issue. Additionally, discussions will cover data on school conditions and facilities, changes in school boundaries, and meeting locations in the upcoming public meetings.
The growing discussion around school closures reflects a broader trend of enrollment decline affecting many school districts in the Valley. The Kyrene School District has been adapting its facilities and resources since the significant enrollment growth experienced in the 1990s and 2000s. Today, it is adjusting to the reality of decreasing student populations in an effort to remain sustainable.
FAQ
Why is the Kyrene School District closing schools?
The Kyrene School District is proposing to close nine schools due to a significant decline in student enrollment, which has resulted in a $7 million budget shortfall. Approximately 70% of the district’s funding comes from state sources tied to enrollment numbers.
What schools are proposed for closure?
The schools proposed for closure include Monte Vista, Estrella, Colina, and Akimel A-al on the west side, and Norte, Mirada, Mariposa, Paloma, Brisas, and Pueblo on the east side.
When will the final decision on school closures be made?
The governing board is expected to make a final decision regarding the proposed school closures in December 2023.
What factors were considered in selecting schools for closure?
The committee considered numerous factors including school capacity, demographic data, and historical enrollment trends to make informed decisions about which schools to propose for closure.
Key Features of the Proposal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Schools Currently | 25 |
| Proposed Schools Post-Closure | 17 |
| Enrollment Drop | From 20,000 to 12,000 |
| Budget Shortfall | $7 million |
| Community Members in Committee | 60 |
| Timeframe for Recommendations | 7 months |
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Additional Resources
- ABC 15: Nine Schools Listed for Potential Closure in Kyrene District
- Ahwatukee News: Kyrene Schools Could be Closed
- AZ Central: Kyrene School Board and Air Quality
- Google Search: Kyrene School District
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
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