News Summary
Eastwood Elementary School in Millcreek, Utah, is under threat of closure due to declining enrollment, sparking protests from parents and community members. The Granite School District cites a significant drop in student numbers as a reason for reevaluating school resources. Supporters of Eastwood emphasize its high academic performance and community value, rallying against the proposed closure. Discussions will continue in an upcoming public meeting, with a final decision expected soon, reflecting broader challenges faced by the district regarding school resource management.
Eastwood Elementary School Faces Closure Amidst Protests in Millcreek, Utah
Millcreek, Utah — The Granite School District is considering closing Eastwood Elementary School, a move that has sparked significant protests from parents, students, and community members. The proposed closure is driven primarily by declining student enrollment across the district, prompting district officials to reevaluate their school resources and facilities.
Community protests and student activism
Various community members have organized protests to oppose the impending closure of Eastwood Elementary. During these protests, participants have expressed strong support for maintaining the school, whose mascot is the eagle. Signs and chants such as “Don’t mess with our Eagle’s Nest!” have been used to rally community members. These demonstrations have included gatherings outside Skyline High School prior to a district boundary meeting, which is part of the district’s ongoing review process.
Parents and students have voiced their concerns passionately. A parent involved in the protests criticized the decision, describing Eastwood as a “thriving, high-performing school” with a solid academic reputation. Another parent, Keaton Gelwix, expressed frustration over feeling ignored by district decision-makers, emphasizing their continued love for the school and its value to the community.
Eastwood’s achievements and demographic context
Eastwood Elementary stands out as a top-performing school in Utah, ranking among the top 10 elementary schools in the state. It has earned a Gold-standing STEM designation, highlighting its excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Despite its successes, the school currently enrolls approximately 270 students, which is about half of its capacity of roughly 500 students. Its utilization rate is at 54%.
District’s rationale for considering closure
The Granite School District states that declining enrollment is a key factor behind the possible closure. Over the past decade, district officials report a decline of more than 15,000 students, culminating in a total decrease of 20,000 students over 25 years. Superintendent Ben Horsley explained that such demographic shifts have impacted the district’s ability to sustain all existing schools, making closure decisions necessary to optimize resources.
If Eastwood is closed, its attendance boundaries are planned to be merged with Oakridge Elementary, which currently has a utilization rate of 47%. The district cited Oakridge’s larger capacity and more efficient logistical setup for pick-up and drop-off as reasons for selecting it to absorb Eastwood’s boundary area. This consolidation aims to better utilize existing facilities amid declining enrollment trends.
Upcoming discussions and broader district context
The district is scheduled to hold another public meeting in November 2023 to further discuss the potential closure of Eastwood Elementary, with a final decision expected in December 2023. This process is part of a broader district effort that has led to the closure of 10 schools in the past seven years, primarily due to population shifts, changing school demographics, and resource allocation challenges.
In addition, Morningside Elementary is also under study for possible closure as part of the district’s ongoing review. If Morningside closes, it would transition into a K-5 French dual language immersion program, representing a shift in its educational focus.
District’s ongoing evaluation
The Granite School District board continues to analyze enrollment patterns, resource needs, and logistical considerations before reaching a final decision. The district emphasizes that these measures are aimed at ensuring efficient use of facilities in the face of demographic changes and declining student numbers across the district.
As community members await official announcements, the situation reflects the district’s broader efforts to adapt to enrollment trends while attempting to balance educational quality with resource management.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
