News Summary
Eastwood Elementary School in Millcreek, Utah, is facing potential closure due to declining enrollment, prompting protests from parents and community members. The Granite School District has proposed the closure, citing a significant decrease in student numbers over the past decade. Eastwood’s supporters argue that the school, a high-performing institution with a strong STEM program, plays a vital role in the community. The situation highlights broader concerns regarding school management and communication within the Granite School District, which has seen several school closures in recent years.
Millcreek, Utah – Eastwood Elementary School is facing potential closure, sparking significant protests from parents and community members who are rallying to keep the school open. The Granite School District has proposed the closure due to declining enrollment numbers, with parents voicing their discontent and demanding reconsideration.
The school, known for its eagle mascot, has become a rallying point for community activists, who have chanted slogans such as “Don’t mess with our Eagle’s Nest!” during protests. Parents assert that the closure of this “thriving, high-performing school” is illogical and detrimental to the community. Many attendees expressed feelings of being unheard in the decision-making process and underscored their affection for Eastwood.
A notable protest took place outside Skyline High School, coinciding with a Granite District boundary meeting attended by concerned parents and students. The protests highlight a growing frustration with the district’s management and communication related to school closures. The community is particularly anxious about Eastwood’s status, given its strong performance metrics—it is ranked among the top 10 elementary schools and is recognized as a Gold-standing STEM school in Utah.
The impetus for the proposed closure stems from a reported decline in student enrollment across the district. Superintendent Ben Horsley noted that enrollment has decreased by over 15,000 students in the past decade, with a total decline of 20,000 over the past 25 years. The current enrollment figures for Eastwood stand at 270 students, which represents a utilization rate of only 54%, compared to its capacity of around 500 students.
If Eastwood were to close, its boundaries would be merged with those of Oakridge Elementary School. Oakridge, however, has an even lower utilization rate of 47%. The decision to potentially keep Oakridge open instead of Eastwood is attributed to its larger capacity and the logistical advantages it offers for school-related pick-up and drop-off services.
Community tensions over the proposed closure reflect a broader issue, as the Granite School District has already shut down 10 schools in the last seven years largely due to decreasing student numbers and changing demographics. Morningside Elementary is also under consideration for closure, but it may transition to a K-5 French dual language immersion program if the decision is made to close it.
The Granite School District is expected to host another public meeting in November 2023 to discuss the implications of the potential closures. A final decision regarding the fate of Eastwood Elementary and other affected schools is anticipated in December 2023. District officials continue to evaluate enrollment trends and resource allocation as the community grapples with the uncertainty surrounding education in the area.
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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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