School Closure Update

As the task force reconvenes for fall 2024 meetings, the K-5 schools being considered as the one most viable school for possible closure in the 2025-26 school year are:

Brookside Elementary School
Echo Lake Elementary School
Highland Terrace Elementary School
Syre Elementary School
The task force's recommendation of the most viable school for one possible K-5 school closure is anticipated in mid to late October 2024.

During spring 2024 meetings, the following schools were removed from the list of schools being explored further for possible closure, for the reasons listed:

Meridian Park Elementary: With the highest enrollment and most unused classrooms in the district, closing this school would leave insufficient space to accommodate all students elsewhere. Its capacity is also crucial as other closures are considered.

Cascade K-8: As a special-purpose school serving both elementary and middle school students, closing it would save less than half the amount compared to other schools.

Parkwood and Briarcrest Elementary: Parkwood was recently rebuilt, and Briarcrest is undergoing significant renovations, resulting in lower maintenance costs for both schools. Both schools also house special programs (Parkwood’s Special Education and Briarcrest’s Dual Language Program) that would be costly to relocate. Additionally, both receive state and federal funding due to a higher number of students qualifying for free and reduced-price meals.

Lake Forest Park Elementary School: Lake Forest Park serves a relatively diverse population and a large number of families supported by subsidized housing, including families who speak English as a second language. Closure of this school would also have a relatively greater impact on middle school enrollment patterns and other schools during a boundary process.

Ridgecrest Elementary School: Ridgecrest serves a diverse population of students and receives federal funding to allow all students to receive free meals through the Community Eligibility Provision. Closure of this school would also have a relatively greater impact on middle school enrollment patterns and other schools during a boundary process.

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