SCUSD School Closure List Makes Some Students Winners or Losers
The SCUSD school closure list is out and some of the criteria behind the selection of the schools on it has been revealed. Three of the Superintendent's Priority Schools get a pass, despite the fact they are under enrolled. Oak Ridge was on a closure list two years ago because of low enrollment and the poor shape of its facility. Now it will be a receiving school for students from Bret Harte and Fruitridge Elementary Schools. Schools with criteria like Phoebe Hearst and Camellia, which can pick and chose their students from all over the district, will remain open while neighborhood schools are closed. Nor was any consideration given to closing the small high schools, which are also under enrolled, and housing their programs on a larger campus to save money. So much for right sizing the district and closing schools that make the most sense, despite whatever programs are in place, since "programs can be moved". This is all evidence that Sac City is not considering this issue holistically, but merely choosing the most expedient targets. District students attending "special" schools are going to be winners and those attending neighborhood schools will be losers if this list stands.
Back in 2009 when schools were proposed for closure, public meetings were held in each area. One audience member at a meeting at Washington Elementary observed that to address the declining enrollment and
Back in 2009 when schools were proposed for closure, public meetings were held in each area. One audience member at a meeting at Washington Elementary observed that to address the declining enrollment and