The West Ada School Board met Monday night and, after extensive community input, voted unanimously to decommission McMillan Elementary at the end of the 2026‑27 school year. The decision reflects a steep drop in enrollment at the 54‑year‑old neighborhood school, which now serves only 171 students.
Board members explain the rationale
Trustee David Binetti moved the motion to close the school, describing the vote as “one of the hardest decisions a school board can make.” He emphasized that while the building will change, the broader community experience and educational quality will continue, and in some cases even grow.
Trustee Meghan Brown warned that very small schools can hurt morale. She recalled her own children attending a school where each grade had only one class, noting that “there was only so much variety and separation that could be made within four walls.”
Chair Lori Frasure stressed the board’s responsibility to use taxpayer dollars wisely. She acknowledged the emotional attachment families have to their school but said the combination of small class sizes and declining enrollment makes decommissioning necessary. “I know these kids are going to go to areas where they will be loved, welcomed, and helped,” Frasure said, adding that the district’s resources will follow the students.
Community services will persist
McMillan has long served as a community hub, offering a family resource center with a food pantry, computer assistance, and help finding housing, employment, and transportation. District chief operating officer David Reinhart said the federal programs department will identify another regional location to continue these services, likely close to the schools the children will attend.
Public reaction
Two community‑input meetings in September and a public comment session in October drew 19 participants, all opposing the closure. A petition organized by a parent has gathered 639 signatures. On Monday, four community members spoke, including Jessica Ni, whose kindergarten student currently attends McMillan. “I’m pretty devastated,” Ni told EdNews, adding that the vote has increased her distrust of the district. She said she is even considering moving to another district.
Student placement and options
Miranda Carson, West Ada’s director of planning and transportation, explained that several nearby schools have ample space for McMillan’s students. Teachers from the closed school will receive priority for open positions at receiving schools, which also provide special education and multilingual programs.
Of the 171 students at McMillan, 104 are in grades K‑4 and will be directly affected. Carson emphasized that families can choose any school with available seats, noting that “there are seats available at any of these grade schools.” Superintendent Derek Bub said keeping friends together is a priority, though he could not guarantee that all groups would stay intact.
Next steps for the building
In the coming months, the district will redraw school boundaries and develop a detailed proposal for the McMillan property. District spokesperson Michelle Edmonds said the building could be sold or leased, and staff will prepare a comprehensive plan.
For the families and students, the focus remains on a smooth transition. “We want them to grow with excitement about what is coming next,” Edmonds said, adding that every West Ada school remains a place families want to be.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
