Kyrene School District hears from parents and students ahead of potential closures

PHOENIX — Kyrene School District held its last public hearing on Wednesday before a Dec. 16 vote that could shut down eight district schools.

The school district is considering closing six elementary schools and two middle schools over the next two years due to low enrollment and funding issues.

Kyrene 2026-2027 closures by shiratanzer

During the final hearing, the district opened the floor to any student or parent who wanted to share their thoughts and suggestions on the shutdowns.

What did parents have to say at Kyrene School District’s last public hearing?

Julie Sinykin is the parent of a fourth-grader at Kyrene Traditional Academy (KTA). She told KTAR News 92.3 FM her family chose KTA because of its traditional schooling, including uniforms and strict discipline.

“We are a KTA family and we’re an out-of-district family and we chose to come into the Kyrene district because of KTA and the traditional academy education,” Sinykin said. “And it’s very sad that might be going away because it’ll probably mean that we’re changing back to our home district.”

Sinykin added there may be other options instead of closing the school, such as using the building for a K-5 school instead of its current K-8 student population.

Kevin Walsh, president of the Kyrene Governing Board, thanked the Chandler residents who showed up to speak about their schools.

“I am grateful that we don’t live in a community where schools can close and nobody cares,” Walsh said. “I’m grateful that we live in a community where [when] we want to make tough decisions like this, we’re getting feedback from hundreds of people.”

Russell Parker, a parent of three children at Kyrene de la Mirada Elementary School, told KTAR News 92.3 FM his children’s school was originally on the closure list, and has since been removed. He said regardless, he’s showing up for his community.

“We know this is not an easy decision and decisions have to be made. But from what I can tell, they’re at least listening,” Parker said before speaking to the governing board.

The final vote on the closures will be held during the Kyrene Governing Board meeting on Dec. 16.

Funding for this journalism is made possible by the Arizona Local News Foundation.

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