The Peoria Unified School District Governing Board recently voted to approve the closures of Kachina and Pioneer Elementary Schools, following an unsuccessful bond override and declining enrollment. The decision was paired with a reconfiguration of Cactus High School to a 7-12th grade model to further support the district’s long-term sustainability.
“We need to meet the moment and we need to make changes (…) to better serve our students,” Governing Board Member Melissa Ewing said. “We realize the weight of (school closures) — but looking out at all the principals in the room, I know that when every student walks into your building, you make them feel welcome and you and your team make sure that student has everything they need to learn.
“Whatever happens at the end of tonight, I know that every student that walks into our doors is going to be welcomed and provided a great educational opportunity.”…