Two more schools were voted to be closed by the school board on Thursday night due to the declining population of school-age children in Jefferson County, resulting in an excess of schools for a limited number of students.
Two schools, Arvada and Coal Creek Canyon, catering to students from kindergarten to eighth grade, are now facing potential closure. Despite the determined efforts of parents to protect these two smaller schools, their attempts were unsuccessful.
Expressing her discontent, Kim Cameron, a Coal Creek parent, voiced her dissatisfaction, stating that despite being assured that this matter wasn’t focused on numbers, all they had been hearing were figures. She couldn’t help but perceive that the authorities had prioritized financial considerations over the well-being of their children by placing dollar signs above their heads.
There have been numerous closures in the past three years, totaling 21 announcements. However, it is expected that there will be no further closures in the foreseeable future.
“We aim to avoid widespread closures in the future,” stated Kimberly Mahugh, the executive director for communication at Jeffco Schools. She expressed the intention to conduct regular and continuous assessments of other schools to ensure they receive adequate resources.”
Parents have the choice of selecting schools that are located farther away, charter schools, or opting out of the district.
Kim Cameron expressed, “This situation has stirred up some strong emotions in me, and tears welled up in my eyes. It’s regrettable that the connections I’ve forged have been forged in such a manner, but I am grateful to have them nonetheless.”
At the conclusion of this school year, it has been declared that the two schools will be shutting down.
The closures have proven to be challenging. Reports indicate that families are now having fewer children, and Jefferson County is particularly affected by this trend.
