News Summary
The Kyrene School District is set to propose the closure of nine schools due to significant enrollment declines projected over the next five years. This decision follows a decrease in student population from 12,000 to 11,000, while the facilities were initially designed for 20,000. Community members have expressed mixed reactions, emphasizing the need to consider academic quality during discussions on school closures. Public meetings will be held to allow parents to voice their opinions ahead of a vote scheduled for December.
Phoenix – The Kyrene School District, which serves the Ahwatukee Foothills in Phoenix, parts of Chandler, South Phoenix, Tempe, and the Gila River Indian Community, has proposed the closure of nine schools due to significant declines in enrollment. This decision comes amidst projections that the district’s student population will decrease from approximately 12,000 to 11,000 over the next five years, while the facilities were originally designed to accommodate 20,000 students. The Long Range Planning Committee will formally present the closure plan to the governing board in September for further discussion.
The list of recommended schools for closure includes:
- Kyrene de la Colina Elementary
- Kyrene de la Estrella Elementary
- Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School
- Kyrene Traditional Academy
- Kyrene de la Mariposa Elementary
- Kyrene de la Mirada Elementary
- Kyrene del Norte Elementary
- Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School
Additionally, Kyrene del Milenio Elementary may soon be repurposed to serve as the district’s gifted academy. Of the proposed closures, three schools are located in Ahwatukee, four in Chandler, and one in Tempe, highlighting the widespread impact of the plan across various communities in the district.
Reasons for Declining Enrollment
Several factors have contributed to the declining enrollment figures within the Kyrene School District. Primarily, decreasing birth rates have resulted in smaller kindergarten cohorts, accounting for approximately 75% of the enrollment loss. The area’s aging population and soaring real estate costs have also limited the availability of school-age households. Furthermore, an increase in educational alternatives such as private schools, charter schools, and online education options has diverted students away from public schools.
Over the past decade, the district has made substantial financial adjustments, cutting spending by $24 million in response to enrollment declines. The administration has expressed the necessity for significant changes to sustain educational quality in light of these budget constraints, which currently amount to a shortfall of roughly $7 million.
Community Response and Future Meetings
The community’s response to the proposed closures has been mixed, with many parents voicing their concerns during a governing board meeting on September 2. They emphasized the importance of maintaining school communities, arguing that closure decisions should not solely be based on demographic data but should also account for performance and academic quality.
To facilitate community engagement, the district is hosting six public meetings prior to a scheduled vote in December 2025. These meetings will provide an opportunity for parents and community members to express their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed school closures.
Conclusion and Educational Quality Considerations
As school districts across Arizona continue to navigate similar trends linked to enrollment declines, Kyrene officials are prioritizing cost-saving measures to ensure adequate resources for the remaining students. The focus moving forward will be on balancing the need for budgetary adjustments with the commitment to maintaining high educational standards. The decisions made in upcoming months will inevitably shape the future landscape of education within the Kyrene School District.
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Additional Resources
- AZFamily: Parents Raise Concerns About Possible Kyrene School District School Closures
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Kyrene School District Committee Releases Potential School Closure List
- 12 News: Parents & Students Protest Kyrene School Closures
- Ahwatukee: As Many as 9 Kyrene Schools Could Be Closed
- Google Search: Kyrene School District
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
