News Summary
Parents and community members in Millcreek are rallying against the proposed closure of Eastwood Elementary School by the Granite School District. With enrollment declining significantly, community members have expressed concern about losing a top-rated elementary school known for its strong STEM programs. The school’s mascot, the eagle, symbolizes the pride parents and students feel. The district plans to merge Eastwood with Oakridge Elementary, prompting fears about the future of education and community resources. A public meeting is scheduled to further discuss the proposed closures.
Millcreek, Utah — The future of Eastwood Elementary School is uncertain as parents and community members voice their strong opposition to a proposed closure by the Granite School District. With significant enrollment declines cited as the main reason for the decision, community members rallied at recent events, chanting, “Don’t mess with our Eagle’s Nest!” The school’s mascot is the eagle, reflecting the pride that parents and students have for their institution.
Eastwood is recognized for its excellence as a top 10 elementary school in Utah and holds a Gold-standing designation for its STEM programs. Currently, the school has a utilization rate of only 54%, with an enrollment of 270 students, while it has the capacity to accommodate roughly 500 students. This situation highlights the district’s concerns over dwindling enrollment numbers, which have declined by over 15,000 in the last decade and a total of 20,000 in the past 25 years.
Superintendent Ben Horsley indicated that the proposal of closing schools is a difficult emotional challenge for the district. The proposed closure would merge Eastwood’s boundaries with Oakridge Elementary, which faces its own challenges with a lower utilization rate of 47%. The district considered Oakridge to stay open due to its larger capacity and more efficient logistical arrangements for student drop-offs and pickups.
Recent protests included a gathering outside Skyline High School, coinciding with a Granite School District boundary meeting. Parents, including Keaton Gelwix, expressed frustration over the perception of being unheard by district officials. Parental concerns voiced such as the decision to close a thriving school left many worried about the impacts on the community and local education.
In addition to Eastwood, Morningside Elementary is also under consideration for closure. However, the plan for Morningside involves incorporating a K-5 French dual-language immersion program, should it close. This reflects the district’s ongoing evaluation of school resource allocation and enrollment trends.
Granite School District has faced increasing challenges regarding attendance figures, causing the closure of ten schools over the last seven years, a trend that has raised concerns about future educational access within the community. As the district continues to study enrollment patterns and resource allocation, another public meeting is scheduled for November 2023 to discuss the possible closure of Eastwood and other schools, with final decisions expected in December 2023.
The situation surrounding Eastwood Elementary serves as a crucial touchpoint of discussion among parents, students, and community stakeholders, all eager to understand and influence the future of education in Millcreek.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Now
- Wikipedia: Education in Utah
- Salt Lake Tribune
- Google Search: Granite School District
- KSL News
- Google Scholar: School Closures in Utah
- Virtual Builder Exchange
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Millcreek
- KSL TV
- Google News: Millcreek School Closure
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