School districts across the Valley are downsizing, repurposing buildings or closing schools entirely to adapt to shifting demographics.
Declining birth rates, the growth of Arizona’s school voucher program, and high home prices are among the reasons districts cite for declining student numbers.
Closing schools can be the most effective solution for districts to address budget shortfalls as a result of fewer students, but closures present significant challenges. In Kyrene School District, school closures meant separating families between two different schools and forcing students to leave behind trusted teachers and friends…