Community Feedback Archives

This page reflects archived information. For current information, visit kyrene.org/forward.

Over the past decade, declining birth rates, an aging population, and limited affordable housing have led to steady decreases in student enrollment. Today, Kyrene serves approximately 12,000 students in schools built for 20,000, and resources are stretched across too many campuses, making it difficult to provide the level of support every school community deserves. To address this challenge, the Kyrene Governing Board established a Long-Range Planning Committee to address enrollment trends and maximize the use of facilities.

Revised Recommendation and Alternative Proposals

Kyrene currently has six middle schools, two K-8 schools, and 17 elementary schools. The committee initially recommended a model that would close or repurpose nine schools. The proposal was revised on September 29, following guidance from the Kyrene Governing Board, resulting in a proposal to close eight schools. Following two months of public hearings, the board requested two alternative options that would each close fewer schools. All three proposals are outlined below with maps and implementation timelines. The proposals are not a reflection of the quality or achievements of any school, but rather a reflection of Kyrene’s commitment to ensuring all Kyrene schools are better-resourced and positioned for long-term success.

Initial Proposal

Click image to view full proposal

Schools for Closure

West

Kyrene de la Colina
Kyrene de la Estrella

Kyrene del Milenio

Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School

East
Kyrene Traditional Academy
Kyrene de la Mariposa
Kyrene de las Manitas
Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School

Alternate Proposal #1

Click image to view full proposal

Schools for Closure

West

Kyrene de la Colina
Kyrene de la Estrella

Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School

East
Kyrene Traditional Academy
Kyrene de las Manitas
Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School

Alternate Proposal #2

Click image to view full proposal

The image displays the text %22Alternative Proposal 2%22 against a bright blue background, along with information about the number of elementary and middle schools involved in the proposal.

Schools for Closure

West

Kyrene de la Colina
Kyrene de la Estrella

Kyrene del Milenio

East
Kyrene Traditional Academy
Kyrene de las Manitas

Timeline

July, 2023 - Launch of Kyrene Strategic Plan, with Long-Range Plan initiative
November, 2024 - Governing Board vote to form planning committee
February, 2025 - Long Range Planning Committee Meetings began
August, 2025 - Long Range Planning Committee final meeting
September, 2025 - Committee presentation to board, followed by board-requested modifications to original proposal
October–November, 2025 - Public hearings
December 2–9, 2025 - Board study sessions and request for alternate proposals
December 16, 2025 - Board vote
January, 2026 - Transition and implementation committees
2026-27 school year - Implementation of new boundaries (full implementation may take 2 years)

Community Engagement

The Governing Board provided ample time for community input before making any decisions. The board held six regional hearings and a central district office hearing for community members to make statements for or against the proposed plan.

District hearing: Kyrene held a centralized hearing at the Kyrene District Office on November 18 at 6:00 p.m., prior to the regularly scheduled governing board meeting.

Recordings of Hearings

October 16 Regional Hearing | Kyrene Middle School
October 21 Regional Hearing | Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School
October 29 Regional Hearing | Kyrene Centennial Middle School
November 5 Regional Hearing | Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School
November 12 Regional Hearing | Kyrene Altadeña Middle School
November 18 District Hearing | Kyrene District Office
November 19 Regional Hearing | Kyrene Aprende Middle School

Public Comment

Families, staff, and community members attended hearings in person or submitted electronic comments for the official public record. All hearings were also streamed live for the public.

Additional comments and questions were submitted through a portal on this web page. All submissions were shared with the governing board, and questions were used to grow the FAQs.