Millcreek, Utah, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Parents and community members in Millcreek, Utah, are protesting the proposed closure of Eastwood Elementary School, a top-rated institution in the Granite School District. With significant declines in enrollment district-wide, many argue that closing a successful school, especially one recognized for its excellence in STEM education, is illogical. Meeting to discuss the potential closure is set for November, with a final decision expected in December.
Millcreek, Utah – Parents and community members are voicing strong opposition to the proposed closure of Eastwood Elementary School, a well-regarded institution in the Granite School District. With chants proclaiming “Don’t mess with our Eagle’s Nest!”, protesters gathered outside Skyline High School prior to a district meeting, emphasizing their commitment to preserving a school they believe is thriving and essential to the community.
Concerns have been raised about the Granite School District officials igniting unrest within the Millcreek area, with many parents, including Nastasya Mangone, labeling the closure illogical. She argued that closing a high-performing school, which has received recognition as one of the top 10 elementary schools in Utah and holds Gold-standing STEM status, defies reason.
Currently, Eastwood Elementary has an enrollment of 270 students and a utilization rate of 54%, despite having the capacity to serve around 500 students. This low utilization, combined with a significant decline in student enrollments across the district, is crucial to the district’s considerations. Over the past decade, enrollment has dropped by more than 15,000 students, totaling a decrease of 20,000 in 25 years, according to Superintendent Ben Horsley.
The district has indicated that if Eastwood closes, its student boundaries will be merged with nearby Oakridge Elementary, which currently has a lower utilization rate of 47%. The decision to prioritize Oakridge for retention over Eastwood is attributed to its larger capacity and a more favorable logistics situation for student pick-up and drop-off. This reflects broader trends in the district, which has shut down 10 schools in the last seven years, largely due to shifts in demographics and declining enrollment.
Another school, Morningside Elementary, has also been marked for potential closure but is proposed to shift towards a French dual language immersion program if this occurs. The district plans to hold a public meeting in November 2023 to further discuss the potential closure of Eastwood, with a final decision expected in December 2023.
The emotional weight of such proposals has been acknowledged by Superintendent Horsley, who has stated that closing schools is always a challenging and heart-wrenching decision for the district. Parents like Keaton Gelwix have voiced frustration regarding feelings of being unheard in the decision-making process, reiterating their affection for Eastwood Elementary and their desire to keep it a viable option for the community.
As the Granite School District continues to assess enrollment trends and resource distribution, the outcome of this proposed closure remains uncertain, and local parents and students are determined to ensure their voices are heard.
FAQ
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What is the reason for the proposed closure of Eastwood Elementary School?
The Granite School District cites dwindling enrollment as the primary reason, with a significant decline in student numbers over recent years.
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What is Eastwood Elementary School known for?
Eastwood is recognized as one of Utah’s top 10 elementary schools and holds a Gold-standing STEM designation.
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What are the current enrollment numbers at Eastwood?
Eastwood has an enrollment of 270 students but has the capacity to serve about 500, resulting in a utilization rate of 54%.
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What will happen to the students of Eastwood if the school closes?
If Eastwood closes, its boundaries will merge with Oakridge Elementary, which will serve the students moving forward.
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When will a final decision regarding the closure be made?
A public meeting is scheduled for November 2023, with a final decision expected in December 2023.
Key Features of Eastwood Elementary School Closure Proposal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Enrollment | 270 students |
| Utilization Rate | 54% |
| Capacity | 500 students |
| District Decline in Enrollment | 15,000 in 10 years, 20,000 in 25 years |
| Other Schools Considered | Morningside Elementary for dual language program |
| Next Public Meeting | November 2023 |
| Final Decision Timeline | December 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Now
- Wikipedia: Education in Utah
- Salt Lake Tribune
- Google Search: Granite School District
- KSL News
- Google Scholar: School Closures in Utah
- Virtual Builder Exchange
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Millcreek
- KSL TV
- Google News: Millcreek School Closure
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