News Summary
The Weber School District is considering closing Lomond View Elementary due to declining enrollment, prompting local parents to protest against the decision. The school, built in 1959, has strong academic performance, and families are concerned about losing a community hub. The district plans to redistribute students to nearby schools, hoping to save costs. Public meetings will be held to gather community feedback before a final decision is made.
Proposed Closure of Lomond View Elementary Sparks Parent Protest in North Ogden
North Ogden, Utah — The Weber School District is currently considering the potential closure of Lomond View Elementary, a decision that has prompted strong reactions from local families and community members. The district officials are exploring options to address declining student enrollment in the area, which could lead to the school shutting its doors in the near future.
District’s Plan and Rationale
According to district officials, the closure is being considered primarily due to declining enrollment at Lomond View, which was built in 1959 and is among the oldest schools in the Weber School District. Currently, the district is analyzing data pertaining to student numbers, with the goal of reallocating resources more efficiently. The district has approved a study regarding the school’s closure and a boundary study for nearby elementary schools including Orchard Springs and North Ogden Elementary.
If the closure moves forward, students currently enrolled at Lomond View would be redistributed to Orchard Springs and North Ogden elementary schools. Both of these schools have the capacity to accommodate additional students, with Orchard Springs specifically built in 2019 and currently operating at about 53% capacity. The district estimates that closing Lomond View could result in an annual cost saving of approximately $1.3 million.
Community Response and Parent Protest
In response to the potential closure, a group of approximately 20 parents organized a picket outside Lomond View Elementary. The protest coincided with the arrival of Superintendent Gina Butters for a separate reading promotion event. Local parents, including Chad Hill and Danielle Hawley, voiced their opposition to the closure, citing their strong emotional attachment to the school and its staff.
Many parents highlighted that they chose to settle in the Pleasant View area specifically because of Lomond View’s reputation for high academic standards. Lomond View’s state testing performance exceeds district and statewide averages; for example, 59% of students scored well in English, compared to 39% district-wide and 46% statewide.
Parents expressed concern that the closure would disrupt their children’s education and community ties. Many reported their children were upset at the possibility of losing their school environment and friends, emphasizing the school’s role as a community hub.
Upcoming Public Engagement and Decision Timeline
The district has scheduled five public meetings on the issue, to be held between October 1 and December 3. These sessions are intended to gather community feedback and discuss the potential impacts of the school closure and boundary changes. Following these meetings, a final decision is expected to be announced by December 3.
If Lomond View is closed, boundary adjustments at neighboring schools are anticipated to facilitate student redistribution. District officials have indicated that the decision will consider community input and the long-term sustainability of local schools.
Background and Additional Context
Lomond View Elementary has served the Pleasant View community since 1959. As enrollment in North Ogden and Pleasant View has remained stagnant, while growth continues in western Weber County, the district is assessing ways to optimize resources. The nearby Orchard Springs Elementary School, built in 2019, currently has ample capacity and could absorb additional students, which is part of the district’s broader planning effort.
Many in the community have expressed concern about the financial implications and community effects of closing Lomond View. District officials emphasize that the decision will be made with input from families, staff, and residents, aiming to balance fiscal responsibility with community interests.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Weber School District Evaluates Closure of Lomond View Elementary
Additional Resources
- KSL: Parents Demonstrate Against Lomond View Closure
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- KSL: Weber School District Considers School Closure
- Google Search: Weber School District
- KSLTV: North Ogden Fire Incident
- Google Scholar: School Closures Impact
- Lindquist Mortuary: Obituary for Michael Thinnes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure
- Tukios: Obituaries Resource
- Google News: Community Engagement in Education
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