Salem-Keizer Public Schools leaders say the district could be facing additional school closures in the coming years, including possible changes involving middle schools as declining enrollment continues to reshape the district.
Chief Operations Officer Paul Odenthal discussed the district’s long-term enrollment challenges Monday, November 9, during a presentation to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. He said the district expects to consider middle school closures in the next several years as smaller elementary school classes move into secondary grades.
District officials say approximately 2,300 kindergarten students are entering the district, compared with roughly 3,300 graduating seniors. That difference is contributing to a continued decline in overall enrollment.
The discussion comes as Salem-Keizer considers a proposal to close six elementary schools. The schools under consideration are Brush College, Candalaria, Englewood, Four Corners, Hallman and Richmond.
District officials say the elementary school proposal is driven by declining enrollment, aging buildings and the increasing cost of maintaining underused facilities.
According to the district, fewer than 2,000 students would be directly affected by the proposed closures, along with approximately 250 staff members.
The district estimates the plan could save about $15 million in short-term maintenance costs, including needed heating, ventilation and fire alarm improvements.
The Salem-Keizer School Board is scheduled to vote on the elementary school closure proposal December 8. If approved, the schools would close in June.
Meanwhile, the board is scheduled to meet Tuesday evening, November 10, to discuss legislative priorities and hear public comment on the proposed changes.
