Tempe, Arizona, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The Kyrene Elementary School District has modified its school closure plans after community feedback, deciding to keep Kyrene Del Norte and Kyrene De La Mirada open. The revised timeline now includes four schools closing next year and four the following year, as the district faces a decline in enrollment and a projected funding loss of $7 million over five years. Community input will be sought through upcoming meetings, with a final decision expected by mid-December.
Tempe, Arizona – The Kyrene Elementary School District is revising its plans for school closures following feedback from the community. Key changes in the plan mean that both Kyrene Del Norte and Kyrene De La Mirada, originally slated for closure, will now remain open. This decision comes in light of growing concerns voiced by parents and community members regarding the impact on education quality and neighborhood stability.
The initial proposal included closing or repurposing nine schools due to a significant decline in student enrollment within the district. In a surprising turn, the revised plan has accelerated the timeline for school closures from three years to two. According to the adjustments, four schools will close in the next academic year, while another four are set to close the following year.
Currently, the district serves approximately 12,000 students, a steep drop from the 17,227 students enrolled in fiscal year 2014. The district has a capacity to accommodate up to 20,000 students, leading to a projected funding loss of $7 million over the next five years due to the decline in enrollment. To prevent further financial shortfalls, the district is actively working to address the challenges of declining student populations.
As part of the revision process, the district plans to review the closure plan in detail throughout October and November. The Kyrene School District’s governing board is expected to make a final decision by December 16, ensuring that community input plays a vital role in the process. To facilitate this, the district will hold a series of community meetings aimed at gathering further input and insights from local residents about potential school closures.
A special committee was formed to assess possible closures and recommend options for schools located on both sides of Interstate 10. On the west side, schools under consideration for closure include Monte Vista, Estrella, Colina, and Akimel A-al. For schools on the east side, options include Norte, Mirada, Mariposa, Paloma, Brisas, and Pueblo.
The long-range planning committee conducted an extensive study of the district’s enrollment trends over the course of seven months before rendering their recommendations. Their findings highlighted a growing and persistent decline in student numbers, stressing the need for action to help preserve the educational quality within the district amidst growing financial constraints.
As the Kyrene Elementary School District moves forward with its revised plan, the emphasis remains on maintaining educational standards while addressing the pressing issue of declining enrollment and dwindling funds. Transparency throughout the decision-making process has been a priority for the governing board, ensuring that community voices are heard and considered in the upcoming changes.
FAQ
- Why are schools being closed in the Kyrene Elementary School District?
The closures are due to a significant decline in student enrollment, which is projected to lead to a $7 million funding loss over the next five years. To address this issue, the district has opted to revise their plans to reflect community concerns while trying to preserve educational quality.
- Which schools are affected by the closure plan?
The revised closure plan originally considered nine schools but now will close four next year and another four the following year. Some of the schools under consideration for closure include Monte Vista, Estrella, and Mariposa, among others.
- What is the timeline for the school closures?
The revised plan shifts the closure timeline from three years to two years, with four schools set to close next year and another four the year after.
- How will community input be gathered in this process?
The district will hold community meetings to gather stakeholder feedback on the proposed school closures, emphasizing the importance of community participation in shaping educational policies.
Key Features of the Revised School Closure Plan
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Plan | Close or repurpose nine schools due to declining enrollment. |
| Revised Plan | Four schools will close next year; another four the following year. |
| Enrollment Status | Currently serving approximately 12,000 students, capacity for 20,000. |
| Funding Impact | Projected loss of $7 million over the next five years due to declining enrollment. |
| Community Involvement | Community meetings to obtain ongoing input before final decisions. |
| Final Decision Date | Expected by December 16. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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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