TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — The Kyrene Elementary School District is the latest Valley district to handle budget problems and declining enrollment by closing campuses, another hit to the tradition of neighborhood schools.
The Kyrene School District made the biggest school closure announcement of the year Tuesday night as the board voted to close six of its 25 schools.
It’s an emotional situation. Several people who live next door to Kyrene schools set to close told Arizona’s Family a big reason why they moved into these neighborhoods was to be right by a school.
Walking to school is a rite of passage for many and it’s an experience that’s become hard to come by with the current state of education in Arizona.
“Big part of my childhood,” said Joshua Wiesner, a former Kyrene de las Manitas and Pueblo Middle School student.
“Just great memories,” said Liam Mcilvain, a former Kyrene de las Manitas and Pueblo Middle School student.
This school year will be the last for Kyrene de las Manitas, Kyrene de la Colina, and Kyrene de la Estrella.
“It’s really heartbreaking. This school actually brings a lot of positivity to our neighborhood,” said Rekha Jayreman. Her two children went to Kyrene de las Manitas in her neighborhood.
Then in 2027, Kyrene Traditional Academy, Akimel A-al Middle School, and Pueblo Middle School will close.
“Just kind of shocked me and very sad,” said Mcilvain.
Despite pushback, the campus cuts became official Tuesday night.
Kyrene’s Governing Board voted to shut down four elementary and two middle schools, due to declining enrollment and a budget gap.
Several parents call the decision shameful.
“I never thought that I would be the mom that says that I have my daughter on a list for the charter school down the street because her middle school is closed,” said Angela Fout-Nolle, a Kyrene parent.
For district leaders, it comes down to dollars and cents.
Over the next five years, this plan is projected to save $6.7 million.
“I moved from across the country for my daughter to go to that school. I chose it and bought a house within five minutes from it so the fact that that school is closing is heartbreaking,” said Fout-Nolle.
But the concept of a neighborhood school seems to be dying.
“The kids in this neighborhood that are no longer gonna have that experience of walking to school with their parents,” said Wiesner.
“I actually have two younger siblings that also go here and they walk to school, bike to school, and that’s not gonna be an option for them,” said Mcilvain.
What once was a selling point for homeowners with growing families is now a question mark.
“It was just kind of a perfect location, good neighborhood, good school, good park,” said Mcilvain.
It’s not clear what will happen to the soon-to-be vacant school buildings, but current and former students alike are mourning the loss.
“Part of me is gonna be missing,” said Wiesner.
District leaders are now working to update bus routes and bell schedules. Those details are expected to be available next month.
With multiple neighborhood schools closing, many kids who currently walk will likely have a longer commute and bus ride to their new school.
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