School Consolidations

Updated as of 9/3/2026

In a period of declining enrollment, the goal is fewer, more appropriately resourced elementary and middle school programs that support a comprehensive school experience.

Recommendation Presentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions & Comments Form

Upcoming Important Dates

SEPTEMBER 8-16

Human Resources meets with affected staff

SEPTEMBER 9-17

School-based community connection meetings

SEPTEMBER 22-29

School-based public hearings

OCTOBER 7

Board of Education decision announced

The Recommendation

The district's recommendation to the Board of Education is to close 5 elementary schools and 1 middle school, relocate and expand Hulstrom K-8, and open a new K-8 magnet school with an arts emphasis. If approved, the recommendation would take effect at the beginning of the 2027-28 school year.

Centennial elementary closure

Cherry Drive elementary closure

North Mor elementary closure

Rocky Mountain elementary closure

Shadow Ridge Middle school closure

The Studio School closure

Hulstrom relocation & expansion

New k-8 magnet (artS emphasis)

News

How we got here

K-12 Enrollment trend

Elementary Schools (K-5)

Our elementary schools are being underutilized. We currently have capacity for about 15,370 students but serve just over 10,500, leaving roughly 4,800 seats unfilled.

A thriving elementary school exists when there are three classes per grade level.

Impacts to schools below 3 rounds (less than 3 classes per grade level):

Part-time specials teachers
Limited teacher collaboration
Limited dedicated support staff (Interventionists, Instructional Coaches, Social-Emotional Learning Specialists, Family Outreach Liaisons)
Limited afterschool activities
No or limited before- and after-school childcare due to resources

Middle Schools (6-8)

Our middle schools have capacity for nearly 8,700 students but serve just over 5,200, leaving 40% of buildings underutilized.

middle school capacity 40% excess capacity, 60% enrolled

Low Enrollment Impacts:

Reduced opportunities for kids: Potential loss of elective, sports and clubs opportunities due to fewer staff to support
Fewer academic course offerings
Broader or divided instructional focus: Teachers covering multiple grades or courses
Limited support staff: Difficulty sustaining these dedicated support roles

What happens if we don't adapt?

Families, students and staff will see:

Reduced access to learning opportunities for kids
Fewer dedicated full-time staff supporting students at one school
More part-time specials teachers, part-time assistant principals divided across multiple schools
Less staff to collaborate with to support student success
Growing inequities across schools
Underutilized buildings put continued financial strain on resources, adversely affecting programming for all students across all schools

Guiding Principles for a Comprehensive School Experience

Every student, staff member, and family deserves a school environment with access to opportunities that foster growth, success, and a strong sense of community.

Establishes enrollment levels to support adequate staffing, teacher collaboration, robust student programs, and full-time specials
Provides robust programming that fosters academic success and a high-quality student and family experience
Promotes and maintains a strong sense of community
Uses district resources efficiently to maximize student learning by maintaining enrollment levels that are financially sustainable

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