The declining youth population in the U.S. is already leading to tough decisions about closing elementary schools. In a few years, decisions will need to be made about middle schools and high schools as well. However, since the latter tend to be much larger (fed by multiple elementary schools) they will likely shrink rather than be closed.

Between 2016-17 and 2021-22, the school district lost nearly 10% of its students. Another loss of more than 8% is projected by 2026-27, Haber said.

West Milford may shut school due to declining enrollment, state aid

Seven schools will close their buildings after the current school year. Three of those schools will merge with other schools.

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The schools face a variety of challenges, including declining enrollment and poor facility conditions.

IPS unveils plan to close 7 schools, reconfigure 39 others – Chalkbeat Indiana

The board said Blueprint APS “focuses on addressing the sharp enrollment declines that Aurora Public Schools has experienced over the past several years while also strengthening educational programs for the future.”

Aurora Public Schools votes to close 2 elementary schools | 9news.com

Denver first identified 19 schools for potential closure last year based on projected enrollment declines. With Marrero new on the job and the community in an uproar, the district put that process on hold and started the process, bumpy at first, that led to these new recommendations. Five schools on last year’s list have enrollment higher than the threshold created by the new committee and wouldn’t be considered.

A number of Denver charter schools also fall below the enrollment threshold.

School closure criteria presented to Denver school board – Chalkbeat Colorado

Rapidly falling enrollment in the Salt Lake City School District has educators considering things they would rather not consider.  Officials say they may need to look into closing certain schools, but only as a last resort.

Falling enrollment may force SLCSD to consider closing schools (kslnewsradio.com)

Not having confidence in their SLC leadership when they apparently do not understand their own demographics:

Enrollment numbers appear to be following strange patterns in Salt Lake City.  Chatwin says attendance in high schools is up, but is down in elementary schools.

More on SLC schools: Here are the 14 Salt Lake City schools proposed for possible boundary changes or closures (sltrib.com)

3 elementary schools to close in Fairbanks area due to low enrollment, budget challenges (ktoo.org)

Enrollment losses in cities prompt talk of school closures – Chalkbeat: Essential education reporting across America

There are other examples of school closures posted elsewhere on this blog. This is occurring throughout the U.S. – although some states are seeing population increases due to inbound migration from other states.

Many districts noticed they’ve had declines for years but have yet to understand the big picture: it’s due to the long-term trend in declining fertility rates. Some mistakenly think this down turn is temporary and good times will return once again.

Coldstreams