Denver Public Schools will close eight elementary schools next year and develop new programs at five other schools under a reform plan approved by the school board. The district has 30,000 empty classroom seats because of declining enrollment, and closing the schools reduces that number by about 3,000. It also will free up about $3.5 million annually in operational costs, which the district says will be directed to classrooms to help boost achievement.
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EARLIER: Since 2004, the Denver school district has spent $8.6 million in bond money for improvements to the eight elementary schools that may be shut down at the end of the school year under a proposed reform effort. (Denver Post)
Eight Denver elementary schools next year would close, and five schools would be reborn in a reform effort intended to improve student achievement and save about $3.5 million a year. The plan calls for the largest school closure in district history. In addition to closing the eight elementary buildings, the district also would convert three middle schools to a preK-8 format; transform another middle school into an arts academy for grades 6-12; and adopt a Montessori format at an existing K-8 campus. The school board will make a final decision on school closures next month. (Denver Post)
