NEW: The Board of Education overseeing Jeffco Public Schools, the second-largest district in the state, voted unanimously Thursday to close 16 elementary schools as a way to tackle plunging enrollment.
Most schools will close before the 2023-24 academic year at schools in Arvada, Evergreen, Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge. One school – Bergen Meadow Elementary in Evergreen – will close the following year, before the 2024-25 academic year.
Many of the parents and others who spoke during the public comments portion of the meeting said they did not feel the district did enough outreach with the community before releasing its proposal. All encouraged the board to vote against the school closures. “We are asking for a smarter plan that includes our voices,” said Destiny Farr, of Lakewood, during the meeting.
Members of the public told the board that they had lost trust in Jeffco Public Schools, questioned why district employees received pay raises earlier this year, and said the plan was too vague on what will happen once schools closed. Some also said they were concerned about“You’re leaving giant question marks in your wake,” added Mollie Crampton, a parent whose children go to New Classical Academy at Vivian Elementary. The school is among those that will close.
“The a reflection of Jeffco’s changing demographics,” said Superintendent Tracy Dorland during Thursday’s meeting, adding, “I regret this recommendation is needed at this time and I sincerely apologize to the communities that are impacted and grieving.”
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