By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The Tucson Unified School District Governing Board talked about school closures and consolidations at its meeting Tuesday, Aug. 25.
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Districtwide enrollment has fallen about 23% since 2018, with this year’s decline expected to cost the district another $8 million.
But during the meeting, the district did not mention any schools that could be targets. The board also did not give a hard timeframe for when a decision is coming, other than by the end of the year.
Some of the main things the district will be looking at will be enrollment trends, school facilities usage, capacity, and demographic trends.
Background on district’s financial problems
In our Last Bell investigative series, board member Val Romero told 13 News’ Valerie Cavazos in March that the district would need to close 17 schools to “right-size.”
In April, Pima County School Superintendent Dustin Williams said the writing was on the wall, and TUSD would likely have to close or consolidate schools.
That process is now moving forward.
Community committee reviewing data
Romero said the district formed a community committee to help review the data and potential options.
“I don’t think the committee has a lot of input on this presentation tonight. From what I understand, they are having a Saturday meeting this upcoming Saturday where they’re digging into a lot of the data details,” Romero said.
Romero said all of the district’s schools are being considered, including high schools.
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Booth-Fickett’s enrollment is down 66% since 2018. Santa Rita remains one of the lowest-enrollment high schools. Sahuaro has seen one of the steepest recent declines.
No formula yet for at-risk schools
While the district did list the metrics it is looking at, there is no formula for determining which schools are at risk.
Romero said even board members don’t know the criteria.
“We have to work on a consensus. We have to work on a plan. We are in a pruning process in the district, and we have to realize student achievement is key, number one, in why we’re even doing this,” Romero said.
Timeline for decisions
TUSD plans three regional community meetings in September.
In October and November, the district will meet with schools that could be affected.
The district has not yet identified those schools, with recommendations expected in December.
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