Millcreek, Utah, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Parents and community members in Millcreek, Utah, are staging protests against the proposed closure of Eastwood Elementary School, known for its strong academic performance and Gold-standing STEM program. With declining enrollment numbers in the Granite School District, officials cite a utilization rate of only 54% for Eastwood, which has raised concerns among parents about the impact on their children’s education. A public meeting will take place to discuss the future of the school.
Millcreek, Utah – Parents and community members are actively protesting the proposed closure of Eastwood Elementary School, a highly regarded school in the Granite School District. The protests come amid rising frustration over the district’s plan to potentially shut down the school, which is well-recognized for its academic performance.
During recent demonstrations, attendees have rallied outside Skyline High School, site of a Granite District boundary meeting, passionately chanting, “Don’t mess with our Eagle’s Nest!” Eastwood’s school mascot, the eagle, has become a symbol of the community’s determination to save their school, which they describe as a “thriving, high-performing” institution.
Parents, such as Nastasya Mangone, have expressed deep concerns about the possible closure, criticizing district officials for what they consider an illogical decision that contributes to significant unrest in the community. Keaton Gelwix, who has two children enrolled at Eastwood, echoed these sentiments, stating that many parents feel unheard and consistently affirming their love for the school.
Eastwood Elementary School has earned recognition as one of the top 10 elementary schools in Utah and is noted for its Gold-standing STEM program. However, the Granite School District cites a decline in student enrollment as the central reason for considering the closure. Superintendent Ben Horsley reported that the district has seen a reduction in student numbers of over 15,000 in the past decade, with a total decrease of 20,000 students over the last 25 years.
The current enrollment at Eastwood stands at 270 students, with a utilization rate of 54%, despite having the capacity to accommodate around 500 students. Should Eastwood close, its student population would merge with Oakridge Elementary, which currently has a lower utilization rate of 47%. Oakridge was identified to remain open due to its larger capacity and better logistical setup for student transportation.
The decision to close schools within the district has proven to be emotional for district officials. In the past seven years, Granite School District has closed 10 schools, a trend largely driven by declining enrollment and shifting demographics within the area. Morningside Elementary is also being considered for closure but may transition to a K-5 French dual language immersion program if the plan is approved.
A public meeting is set to take place in November 2023 regarding the potential closure of Eastwood Elementary, with a final decision expected by December 2023. Throughout this process, the Granite School Board is continuing to evaluate enrollment figures and the allocation of resources to inform their future decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Eastwood Elementary facing closure?
The closure is being considered primarily due to dwindling enrollment numbers, which have decreased significantly over the last decade, impacting the school’s utilization rate.
How many students are currently enrolled at Eastwood?
Eastwood Elementary has an enrollment of 270 students, which is below its capacity of approximately 500.
What is the utilization rate of Eastwood compared to Oakridge Elementary?
Eastwood has a utilization rate of 54% whereas Oakridge Elementary has a utilization rate of 47%.
What options are available for students if Eastwood closes?
If Eastwood closes, its students would be merged into Oakridge Elementary School.
When will a decision be made regarding the closure?
A final decision regarding Eastwood’s closure is expected to be made in December 2023 after a public meeting in November.
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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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