A year after closing three schools because of low enrollment, the Denver (Colorado) district is looking again at possible school closings in response to a continuing decline in student numbers.
KUSA-TV reports that falling birth rates in Denver and housing development patterns have resulted in a decline in school-aged kids. The district expects those trends to continue over the next five years, which is why it is considering action to address this now.
In March 2023, the board voted to close three schools because of "critically low enrollment": Denver Discovery, Fairview Elementary and the Mathematics and Science Leadership Academy.
Superintendent Alex Marrero said keeping under-enrolled schools running is expensive. By closing and consolidating campuses, Marrero said they can offer kids more educational opportunities, programs and resources.
Right now, the district has not identified schools that could be on the chopping block. The district will put out its list of recommended consolidations and closures on Nov. 7.
Just two weeks after the list comes out, on Nov. 21, the board is expected to vote on the plan. Before that list comes out, the district will hold meetings around the district to hear from families and community members.
