Salem‑Keizer Public Schools announced on Oct. 9 that six elementary schools, including Candalaria Elementary in south Salem, are slated to close in June. The proposal has left families like the Sayens feeling a deep sense of loss.
Students and families react
Seven‑year‑old Eliza Sayen was at a pumpkin patch with her family when her mother saw the closure list on her phone. “I felt really sad and like they were making us give up a place we love,” Eliza said, echoing the emotions of many students who have called Candalaria their second home.
Eliza’s older sister, Natalie, added that the school’s teachers and staff have been “like family” and that the thought of losing that community is “hard to imagine.”
District rationale
Superintendent Dr. Michael G. Huber explained that the closures are part of a district‑wide effort to address declining enrollment and to reallocate resources more efficiently. “We are looking at enrollment trends, facility conditions, and fiscal sustainability,” Huber said at a recent board meeting. “The goal is to ensure that the remaining schools can provide high‑quality education with the resources they need.”
The district’s data show that Candalaria’s enrollment has dropped by roughly 30 percent over the past five years, while operating costs have risen. Officials argue that consolidating students into nearby schools will allow for smaller class sizes and better access to specialized programs.
Community response and next steps
Parents have organized a petition calling for the board to reconsider the closure, citing concerns about longer bus rides, loss of neighborhood cohesion, and the emotional impact on children. The petition, which has gathered over 1,200 signatures, will be presented at the upcoming public hearing scheduled for Dec. 5.
School board members emphasized that the public hearing will be the final opportunity for community input before a vote. “We want to hear from families, teachers, and neighbors,” said board member Karen L. Martinez. “Their voices will help shape the final decision.”
Local elected officials, including Salem City Councilor Jeff Davis, have expressed support for keeping neighborhood schools open, arguing that schools serve as vital community anchors. “When a school closes, it’s not just a building that goes away—it’s a gathering place for families, a hub for events, and a source of stability for children,” Davis said.
What parents can do
Families are encouraged to attend the Dec. 5 hearing, submit written comments, and continue to voice their concerns through the district’s online portal. The board will vote on the closure plan after the hearing, with a decision expected in early January.
For those seeking alternatives, the district has offered information on enrollment options at nearby schools, transportation routes, and counseling services for students coping with the transition.
Looking ahead
While the closure proposal reflects broader demographic shifts in the region, many in the community hope that the board will find a solution that preserves local schools whenever possible. The outcome will have lasting implications for families, teachers, and the fabric of south Salem neighborhoods.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
