News Summary
In Millcreek, Utah, Eastwood Elementary School faces potential closure by the Granite School District due to declining enrollment, sparking protests from parents and community members. Despite the school’s strong academic performance and STEM designation, officials cite a need for resource management. Community support remains strong, with vocal parents criticizing the decision and advocating for the school’s importance. Eastwood’s future will be discussed at a public meeting scheduled for November, with a final decision expected in December.
Millcreek, Utah — Eastwood Elementary School Faces Closure Amid Community Protests
The Granite School District is considering closing Eastwood Elementary School in Millcreek, Utah, a move that has sparked significant opposition among parents, students, and community members. The debate centers around declining student enrollment and district resource management, but local residents argue that the school’s academic success and community value should not be overlooked.
Community Protests and Concerns
Numerous protests have taken place outside Eastwood Elementary, which is known for its strong academic programs and high standing in the state of Utah. The school boasts recognition as a top 10 elementary school and holds a Gold-standing STEM designation, signifying excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
During protests, community members have expressed their unwavering support for the school, often chanting slogans such as “Don’t mess with our Eagle’s Nest!,” referencing Eastwood’s mascot, the eagle. Parents and students alike have voiced frustration toward district officials, accusing them of creating unnecessary unrest and disregarding the school’s achievements and importance to the neighborhood.
Parent Voices and Community Reaction
Parents like Nastasya Mangone, whose children attend Eastwood, have criticized the potential closure, emphasizing that the school is thriving and high-performing. She described the decision as illogical, given the school’s strong academic record and community support. Keaton Gelwix, a parent of two Eastwood students, shared feelings of frustration over feeling unheard, but also reaffirmed their love for the school and its role in the community.
Reasons Behind the Potential Closure
The granular reason for considering Eastwood’s closure is declining student enrollment across the district. According to Superintendent Ben Horsley, district officials have observed a decrease of over 15,000 students in the past decade, with total enrollment dropping by 20,000 students in 25 years. This decline has prompted the district to evaluate its school capacity and resource allocation meticulously.
Currently, Eastwood has a utilization rate of 54%, with approximately 270 students enrolled out of a capacity of around 500 students. The district’s plan, if Eastwood closes, involves merging its boundaries with Oakridge Elementary, which has a lower utilization rate of 47%. Oakridge’s larger capacity and logistical advantages—particularly in student pick-up and drop-off processes—have made it the preferred option for remaining operational among the two.
Next Steps and Future Decisions
The district has scheduled another public meeting in November 2023 to provide further information and gather community input. A final decision is expected to be made in December 2023. The district emphasizes that the decision will be based on comprehensive analysis of enrollment trends and resource availability.
Broader Context and District Trends
The proposed closure of Eastwood is part of a broader trend within the Granite School District, which has closed 10 schools in the past seven years. These closures are primarily driven by changing demographics and population declines in certain neighborhoods. Additionally, another school, Morningside Elementary, is also under consideration for closure; however, its transition would involve converting to a K-5 French dual language immersion program, providing an alternative educational pathway for the community.
District officials continue to evaluate enrollment data and analyze resource distribution in a bid to balance academic quality with efficient school operation. The outcome of these discussions will shape the future of Eastwood Elementary and other schools facing similar challenges in the district.
Community members remain engaged and hopeful that their input will influence the final decision, which aims to support both educational excellence and responsible district management in the years ahead.
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HERE Resources
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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