The Kyrene School district Governing Board on Tuesday approved a series of school closures and boundary changes as part of the district’s long-range plan to address declining enrollment and restore long-term financial stability.

The decision follows months of public discussion and multiple modifications to the initial proposal, in response to community feedback. Under the plan, three schools would close at the end of this school year and three more the following year.

•    Kyrene de la Colina (2026-27)
•    Kyrene de la Estrella (2026-27)
•    Kyrene de las Manitas (2026-27)
•    Kyrene Traditional Academy (2027-28)
•    Akimel A-al Middle School (2027-28)
•    Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School (2027-28)

Maps and transition timelines are available online at www.kyrene.org/longrangeplan. 

In a message to Kyrene families and employees, Superintendent Laura Toenjes acknowledged the emotional impact of the decision while emphasizing its importance for the district’s future.

“The Kyrene Governing Board took what may be the most significant action in our district’s history, in order to preserve the Kyrene experience now and for generations to come,” Toenjes said. “The board’s decision is the result of listening, learning and weighing the real human impact alongside the long-term sustainability of our district.”

The board’s decision will help Kyrene to close an anticipated budget gap of $6.7M over the next five years, based on a projected enrollment loss of approximately 1,000 students. It will also allow the district to consolidate resources that have been stretched thin. The long-range plan is designed to protect the core elements that have made Kyrene the top-ranked K–8 district in Arizona, including small class sizes, experienced teachers, targeted student supports, robust electives and extensive extracurricular opportunities.

Superintendent Toenjes stated during the December 16 board meeting, “We have said often that long-range planning is about setting up future generations of Kyrene for success, but I also want to stress for our community that, if the board votes to move forward with a plan that closes schools, we will take great care to support the students and staff who are part of Kyrene right now.”

The district is now turning its attention to transition planning and communication, which includes the launch of a dedicated online information portal to provide updates, timelines and frequently asked questions related to the transition. With winter break just days away, Kyrene has cautioned families and staff that some information, such as bus routes and bell schedules, likely will not be available until January.