News Summary
InMillcreek, Utah, the Granite School District is facing strong opposition from parents and community members regarding the proposed closure of Eastwood Elementary School. Protesters gathered to voice their concerns, emphasizing the school’s high performance and importance to the community. Despite being recognized as a top 10 elementary school in the state, Eastwood faces closure due to declining enrollment numbers. The district plans to hold a public meeting to discuss this decision, which could impact many families and the educational landscape in the area.
Granite City, Utah — Eastwood Elementary School Faces Closure Amidst Community Protests
The Granite School District is considering closing Eastwood Elementary School in Millcreek, Utah, sparking significant protests from parents and community members. The ongoing debate centers around enrollment numbers and district resource management, with decision-makers weighing the potential impacts on students and families.
Protests Escalate as Community Members Voice Concerns
Community members, including parents, gathered outside Skyline High School prior to a district boundary meeting to protest the proposed closure. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Don’t mess with our Eagle’s Nest!,” referencing Eastwood’s school mascot, the eagle. The demonstrations aimed to draw attention to community attachment to the school and its perceived importance as a high-performing educational institution.
Nastasya Mangone, a parent, criticized the closure proposal, emphasizing that Eastwood is a thriving, high-performing school and questioning the logic behind closing an effective educational facility. Many parents expressed frustration over district decisions that appear to disregard the school’s success and community ties.
Community Feelings of Frustration and Unheard Concerns
Keaton Gelwix, a parent of two Eastwood students, voiced feelings of frustration over what they describe as being unheard in district discussions. He affirmed love and support for Eastwood, underscoring the emotional ties many families have to the school, even amid district evaluations of their enrollment and capacity.
Eastwood’s Academic Standing and District Rationale
Despite the community protests, Eastwood is recognized as a top 10 elementary school in Utah and has achieved a Gold status as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) school. Its reputation for academic excellence has heightened community concerns about the potential loss of such a resource.
The Granite School District states that declining enrollment is a primary reason for considering shutting Eastwood. Superintendent Ben Horsley highlighted that the district has experienced a student enrollment decline of over 15,000 students in the past ten years and an overall reduction of approximately 20,000 students over the last 25 years.
School Utilization and Logistical Challenges
Eastwood currently operates at a utilization rate of 54%, with an enrollment of about 270 students against a capacity of roughly 500 students. If Eastwood closes, its boundaries are planned to merge with Oakridge Elementary, which has a utilization rate of 47%. District officials selected Oakridge over other schools primarily due to its larger capacity and more efficient logistical setup for drop-off and pick-up routines.
Upcoming Decisions and Broader Trends
The district has scheduled another public meeting in November 2023 to discuss the potential closure, with a final decision expected by December 2023. This proposed closure is part of a broader pattern, with the Granite School District having closed 10 schools in the past seven years, primarily due to enrollment declines and shifting demographics.
In addition to Eastwood, Morningside Elementary is under consideration for closure. If closed, Morningside would transition into a K-5 French dual language immersion program, serving the district’s multilingual education initiatives.
District’s Ongoing Evaluation
The Granite School District board continues to analyze enrollment figures, resource distribution, and community input before making a final decision. District officials emphasize that they are weighing multiple factors and are committed to transparency throughout the evaluation process to ensure community interests are considered.
As the district navigates these decisions, community members remain engaged and invested in the future of local education, advocating for the preservation of Eastwood Elementary and its role within the Millcreek community.
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
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, 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 state 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
