News Summary
Due to a $5 million budget deficit, the Roosevelt School District in Phoenix will close five elementary schools at the end of the current school year. The closures affect Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, C.J. Jorgensen Academy, John R. Davis Elementary, V.H. Lassen Academy, and Maxine O. Bush Elementary. Farewell events are being held to commemorate these schools, with plans for repurposing closed facilities for community benefit. This decision comes amidst declining student enrollment and aims to address financial challenges while maintaining educational standards.
Phoenix, Arizona – The Roosevelt School District Governing Board has made the difficult decision to close five elementary schools due to a pressing budget deficit of $5 million. The closures will take effect at the end of the current school year and involve Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, C.J. Jorgensen Academy, John R. Davis Elementary, V.H. Lassen Academy, and Maxine O. Bush Elementary.
The district, which has been serving the community for over a century, is hosting farewell events for each of the schools to commemorate their contributions to local education. On Saturday, farewell parties were held for Bush and Jorgensen schools, with activities that allowed students, families, and faculty to celebrate their histories. At Bush Elementary, attendees left handprints on the school sidewalk, marking their time at the school. The principal of Bush Elementary will transition to a new role as an assistant principal at Campbell Elementary, where many students from Bush will be transferring.
As part of the restructuring plan, the Bush school will be repurposed and is expected to reopen as a magnet school within a year. At C.J. Jorgensen Elementary, the school held an event that transformed its cafeteria into a nostalgic museum showcasing class photos and vintage projectors, allowing former teachers and students to share memories. A notable attendee was a former teacher who had been with the school since it opened 68 years ago.
Despite the closures, no teachers will lose their jobs, as they will be reassigned to other schools within the district. Plans are underway to facilitate the transition for nearly 1,500 students and staff to their new campuses for the 2025-2026 school year.
The decision to close schools is attributed to declining student enrollment, which has decreased by approximately 5,200 students since 2007, as families increasingly choose charter or private educational options. The district is responding to these shifts by seeking a more cost-effective approach to managing its schools in light of financial challenges and a decrease in funding.
During the Board’s recent vote, which concluded with a 4-1 majority in favor of the closures, some members called for more community input, highlighting the divided opinions among parents and community members. While some support the decision as a necessary move for potential improvements, others express concerns that the closures are drastic and lack viable alternatives.
In addition to the events held for Bush and Jorgensen schools, the Roosevelt School District has plans for similar commemorative events for Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary and John R. Davis Elementary, scheduled for May 14. The Board President emphasized the commitment to utilizing closed facilities in a way that benefits the community rather than leaving them vacant.
The Roosevelt School District remains focused on ensuring that the decision to close schools leads to positive outcomes for students and helps the district address its financial challenges effectively while providing ample support to affected families. As the community prepares for these transitions, the district aims to maintain a standard of educational excellence despite the necessary changes.
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