Tempe, AZ, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The Kyrene Elementary School District has updated its school closure plans after community feedback, deciding to keep Kyrene Del Norte and Kyrene De La Mirada open. The revised plan reduces the closure timeline from three to two years, affecting eight schools total. Currently serving around 12,000 students, the district faces a projected $7 million funding shortfall over five years. Community meetings are scheduled for October and November, with a final decision expected by December 16.
Tempe, AZ – Kyrene Elementary School District Revises School Closure Plans Following Community Input
The Kyrene Elementary School District has announced an important revision to its school closure plan after receiving significant feedback from the community. Two schools, Kyrene Del Norte and Kyrene De La Mirada, which were previously scheduled to close, will now remain open amid concerns over declining enrollment.
The initial plan outlined the closure or repurposing of nine schools as a response to a notable drop in student numbers. The revised proposal condenses the closure timeline from three years to two years. Under the new schedule, four schools will close next year, while another four will follow a year later.
As it currently stands, the district serves about 12,000 students, significantly below its capacity to accommodate 20,000 students. This is part of a broader trend, as enrollment is projected to decline further, resulting in a funding shortfall of approximately $7 million over the next five years.
The district is actively engaging in a reassessment of the closure plan through the months of October and November, with a final decision expected by December 16. A special committee has been formed to carefully evaluate potential school closures, considering options for schools located on both sides of Interstate 10.
Specific Schools Under Review
A number of schools have been identified as potentially facing closure. Schools on the west side of the district include Monte Vista, Estrella, Colina, and Akimel A-al. On the east side, schools under consideration are Norte, Mirada, Mariposa, Paloma, Brisas, and Pueblo.
Long-range Planning Efforts
The long-range planning committee has dedicated seven months to studying enrollment trends and assessing the viability of each school before making recommendations. Historically, Kyrene has seen a decline in student numbers, reporting a drop from 17,227 students in fiscal year 2014 to 13,555 students in fiscal year 2024.
In light of the financial challenges resulting from decreasing enrollment, district officials emphasize that any school closures are aimed at preserving educational quality. During recent meetings, the governing board did not reach any final decisions, opting instead to prioritize transparency throughout the review process.
Community Engagement
To foster community involvement, several meetings will be held to gather public input on the proposed school closures. These meetings aim to ensure that decisions made reflect the concerns and needs of the community as the district navigates these changes.
Concluding Remarks
The revised school closure plan signifies the district’s responsiveness to community feedback while addressing necessary adjustments to maintain educational standards amidst financial constraints. As the deadline approaches for a final decision, the Kyrene Elementary School District remains committed to open dialogue with community stakeholders.
FAQ Section
What schools are being considered for closure in the Kyrene Elementary School District?
The proposed closures include four schools on the west side: Monte Vista, Estrella, Colina, and Akimel A-al, and six schools on the east side: Kyrene Del Norte, Kyrene De La Mirada, Mariposa, Paloma, Brisas, and Pueblo.
Why is the Kyrene School District closing these schools?
The closures are primarily due to declining enrollment numbers which have led to funding losses, necessitating a reduction in the number of operational schools to maintain educational quality.
How many students does the Kyrene School District currently serve?
The district currently serves approximately 12,000 students, below its capacity of 20,000 students.
When is the final decision expected regarding the school closures?
The final decision is anticipated by December 16, following community engagement sessions in October and November.
Key Features of the Kyrene School Closure Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Closure Plan | Involved closing or repurposing nine schools. |
| Revised Plan | Two schools will remain open; closure timeline shortened from three to two years. |
| Expected Closures | Four schools next year; four schools the following year. |
| Current Enrollment | Approximately 12,000 students in the district. |
| Capacity | Currently can accommodate 20,000 students. |
| Funding Loss | Projected $7 million decline over the next five years due to enrollment drop. |
| Final Decision Date | Anticipated by 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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