Public Forums To Be Held By Paradise Valley Unified School District To Discuss Potential School Closures

The Paradise Valley School District is one step closer to shutting down several of their schools.

PVUSD is organizing various public meetings to discuss the potential closure of four schools due to a decrease in student enrollment.

In December, the school district board met to discuss how the district has experienced a decline of over 700 K-6 students in the past two years due to various factors. The district foresees a further decrease in student numbers and is looking for ways to take necessary budget actions.

Four schools are currently being evaluated for potential closure; Hidden Hills Elementary, Sunset Canyon Elementary, Desert Springs Preparatory Elementary School, and Vista Verde Middle School.

The proposed plan would result in modifications to the boundaries of over 10 schools.

The initial open meeting is set for 6 p.m. on January 9 at Sunset Canyon Elementary School. Four more forums are planned to take place in the upcoming weeks. Further details about the forums can be accessed here.

Educators and parents have expressed their opposition to the shutdowns during previous public gatherings, and a few have shared written messages from their students.

According to the district, shutting down each school would result in a savings of $600,000.

During a public meeting, a teacher at Vista Verde stated that their students have a value of over $600,000.

According to the board, the topic of declining enrollment is a pressing issue that must be discussed. The area of town is not experiencing the emergence of reasonably priced single-family homes, unlike other areas in the Valley, therefore new families are not moving in with school aged children.

According to the district, there will be no staff layoffs with the proposed plan.

The closures are anticipated to be put to a final vote on February 8th, 2024.