After nearly five hours of discussion and public comment, the Alum Rock Union School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to close six schools and consolidate four others.
The decision caused high emotions, both among the public and among the board members.
“They deserve better than what we have offered and we can provide better education if we close some schools. Will everyone be affected by this? Yes. Will everyone be angry? Yes. But who will benefit from it? end? Who will benefit most from it? The kids and they are learning and that is why I am here,” said Board President Linda Chavez.
The district said it is facing a fiscal crisis due to a significant decline in student enrollment in recent years.
The board said the school closures will help balance the budget.
Still, many parents were unhappy with the way the board decided these closures, and many voiced their displeasure in person at Monday night’s meeting.
“It breaks my heart that all schools are being considered for closure, knowing that we are in one of the wealthiest areas of California. You should be ashamed. You are doing a disservice to our students, you are doing a disservice to our future,” said one. during public comment.
“While school closures and consolidations are necessary, and I agree this is a short-term solution, we need systemic reforms,” someone else said during public comment.
The board said all schools slated to close will do so at the end of this school year.
Attendance boundaries are then reconfigured, with affected students directed to the next closest school.
