In a crucial decision made Wednesday, the South Bay Union School District Board of Education voted to close three campuses due to declining student enrollment and significant financial challenges.
This move, which has been a topic of discussion for over a year and a half, will see the closure of Central Elementary and two other campuses over the next five years.
The district had initially proposed a three-year timeline but has decided to extend the closure period to allow for better planning and adjustment.
Reasons Behind the School Closures
The primary reason for the closures is a drastic decline in student enrollment. Over the past decade, enrollment in the South Bay Union School District has halved, and this trend is expected to continue.
On top of this, the district faces a growing budget deficit, with officials estimating a shortfall of $19 million this year and another $15 million the next year. To address these financial issues, the district has already used much of its reserve funds to cover its deficits.
The decision has sparked emotional reactions from both the community and district staff. During the special board meeting, several community members voiced their concerns and frustrations, feeling that their input during town halls and advisory meetings was ignored.
Many emphasized that the closures would negatively impact students, particularly those in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
The Process Leading to the Decision
The board’s decision comes after a year and a half of consultations with the superintendent’s advisory committee, which consisted of parents, teachers, and administrators. This committee was tasked with coming up with recommendations for consolidating the district’s campuses.
Although several schools were under consideration for closure, the board ultimately decided to close Central, with Berry and Sunnyslope also identified as potential closures in the future.
Board member Jose Lopez Eguino proposed an amendment to the resolution, removing the names of specific schools to be closed, aside from Central.
The amendment was accepted, but the overall plan for the closures will continue as planned. This allows the district to review the situation and make adjustments as needed.
Impact on the Community and Schools
Central Elementary, which opened its doors in 1952, will be the first to close. Students from Central will be transferred to nearby schools, such as Emory, Oneonta, Bayside, and possibly Mendoza Elementary.
The district will have to adjust school boundaries to manage the redistribution of students.
Veronica Duarte, a teacher at Berry Elementary, spoke out against the closure of her school, noting that many families at Berry rely on essential services such as food banks that the school provides.
She argued that closing the school would harm the community, which is already facing significant challenges.
The closures are expected to save the district between $400,000 and $900,000 per campus, mostly through staffing reductions.
Despite these savings, the district faces long-term financial challenges, especially when it comes to providing competitive compensation for teachers and dealing with rising pension and special education costs.
Focus on Academic Improvement and Facility Upgrades
In addition to addressing the financial issues, the district plans to shift its focus toward academic improvement. Superintendent Jose Espinoza emphasized that the closure process, though difficult, would provide an opportunity to strengthen the district’s programs and infrastructure.
One of the priorities will be enhancing academics at Nestor Language Academy, and the district will focus on funding specialized programs starting in the 2028-29 school year to attract and retain students.
Future Challenges and Solutions
Despite the closures, South Bay Union is not out of the woods. The district will continue to face difficult financial decisions in the coming years. Superintendent Espinoza noted that no community desires to close schools, but tough choices have to be made.
The district will also need to address issues like rising costs, pensions, and special education needs. However, the district is committed to improving education through standardized instruction and professional development for its staff.
The decision to close three campuses within the South Bay Union School District highlights the ongoing struggles that many public school districts face in the wake of declining enrollments and rising financial pressures.
While the decision has been met with resistance and concern, the district is hopeful that the closures will help stabilize its finances and provide a foundation for future academic growth.
As the district continues to adapt to these changes, ongoing discussions and evaluations will be key to ensuring the best outcomes for students, staff, and the community.
