Keizer, Oregon – Parents in the Salem‑Keizer School District are mobilizing to challenge the district’s proposal to close six elementary schools, including Cummings Elementary. On Saturday, Keira Bayless and other concerned families went door‑to‑door, warning neighbors that the closures could devastate their community.
District’s rationale
Superintendent Andrea Castañeda said the plan is driven by declining enrollment, which the district attributes to falling birth rates and smaller incoming classes. Salem‑Keizer’s enrollment has dropped by about 6,000 students from its peak, leaving roughly 36,000 students district‑wide. The superintendent expressed regret, stating, “We are so sorry this is happening to you, that we’re bringing a proposal that is upsetting. If there was a way to avoid this, we absolutely would.”
Parental concerns
Parents argue that schools are more than buildings; they are the heart of neighborhoods and families. Rosita Carbajal, whose child attends Richmond Elementary, worries that boundary changes will force her kindergartener to transition to a new school, a move she says can be disruptive for young learners. “It’s cliché, but it’s not just a building. It’s a family,” Carbajal told local media.
Bayless echoed these sentiments, urging the school board to consider alternatives. “Why are birth rates declining? It’s almost impossible to raise a kid in this economy. We need more solutions, not simply closing schools,” she said.
Impact and timeline
The district estimates the closures would affect about 5% of students, or just under 2,000 children. The proposal also includes redrawing school boundaries, which could further affect families’ daily routines. District leaders will present the recommendation to the school board on Tuesday, with a vote on closures slated for December and boundary changes set for February. Any approved changes would take effect in the fall of 2027.
Community response opportunities
The district has scheduled several listening sessions for residents to voice their opinions before the board makes a final decision. Parents and community members are encouraged to attend and share their concerns about the potential loss of neighborhood schools.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
