News Summary
In Millcreek, Utah, parents and community members are protesting the proposed closure of Eastwood Elementary School due to declining enrollment. The school, known for its high performance and STEM focus, has seen significant support from families who feel their voices are not being heard. A public meeting is scheduled for November to address the closure, as the Granite School District faces tough decisions amidst a drop in student numbers.
Millcreek, Utah – Community members are rallying against the proposed closure of Eastwood Elementary School, a well-regarded institution in the Granite School District. Parents and students have organized protests, expressing their discontent over the district’s decision to consider shutting down the school due to declining enrollment figures.
The movement has garnered significant attention, with demonstrators chanting “Don’t mess with our Eagle’s Nest!” referencing Eastwood’s eagle mascot. Protesters have argued that officials are fostering considerable unrest in the community by moving forward with the proposal. Many are questioning the logic behind closing a “thriving, high-performing school,” a sentiment echoed by several concerned parents.
Recent events include a protest held outside Skyline High School, coinciding with a Granite District boundary meeting. Parents, such as Keaton Gelwix—who has two children enrolled at Eastwood—have voiced their frustrations, feeling that their concerns are not being addressed adequately. Gelwix emphasized the love families have for the school, reiterating their desire for its continued operation.
Recognized among the top ten elementary schools in Utah and sporting a Gold-standing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Eastwood Elementary has showcased an impressive track record. However, the Granite School District has cited declining enrollment as the chief reason for considering the closure, which has become particularly pressing over the years.
Granite School District Superintendent Ben Horsley reported a reduction in student enrollment of over 15,000 students in the last decade, contributing to a total decline of 20,000 students over the course of 25 years. This trend has prompted the district to assess the financial viability of its schools. The current utilization rate at Eastwood is 54%, with just 270 students enrolled, down from a capacity of roughly 500. If the school were to close, it is anticipated that its boundaries would merge with Oakridge Elementary, which is experiencing a lower utilization rate of only 47%.
The decision to prioritize Oakridge Elementary over Eastwood stems from its larger capacity and better logistical setup for student drop-off and pick-up. The implementation of such a transition would have implications for both Eastwood and Oakridge communities, altering the educational landscape for many families.
The district’s administration has characterized the proposal to close schools as an emotionally taxing process, indicating that it is not taken lightly. In addition to Eastwood, Morningside Elementary is also under consideration for closure, though it may transition into a K-5 French dual language immersion program if approved. This reveals the district’s strategic aim to adapt to changing demographics and educational trends.
Moving forward, another public meeting focused on the potential closure of Eastwood is scheduled for November 2023. A final decision regarding the school will likely be made in December 2023. As the Granite School District studies enrollment statistics and allocation of resources, community members remain adamant about their support for Eastwood Elementary, emphasizing its significance to the neighborhood.
In summary, the potential closure of Eastwood Elementary School has sparked widespread protests from parents and community members in Millcreek, Utah, while the district grapples with declining enrollment rates and necessary adjustments to its school offerings.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Now
- Wikipedia: Education in Utah
- Salt Lake Tribune
- Google Search: Granite School District
- KSL News
- Google Scholar: School Closures in Utah
- Virtual Builder Exchange
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Millcreek
- KSL TV
- Google News: Millcreek School Closure
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