The West Ada School District Board of Trustees voted 5‑0 on Monday evening to decommission McMillan Elementary School in West Boise at the end of the 2026‑27 school year, according to KIVI-TV. The decision was driven by declining enrollment and the district’s goal of using resources responsibly.
Approximately 140 kindergarten‑through‑fourth‑grade students will be impacted, and the district says it will work with families and staff to ensure a smooth transition. Superintendent Derek Bub emphasized that while the school is “much more than a building,” the district must balance enrollment realities with fiscal stewardship.
In conjunction with the closure, the district is seeking public input on proposed attendance‑boundary changes in its southern portion. The initial maps, posted on the district website, could affect roughly 795 students across the district, including those attending schools in Meridian such as Meridian Elementary and Siena Elementary.
The proposed changes aim to balance enrollment, reduce overcrowding, and make better use of classroom space, especially as the new Lake Hazel Elementary is slated to open for the 2027‑28 school year. Factors under consideration include student safety, walkability, keeping friend groups together, and avoiding multiple school changes for any student.
Chief Operations Officer David Reinhart noted that school boundaries represent “students, families, friendships and the communities that make our schools special,” and urged families to participate in the process. Residents will be able to review the preliminary boundary maps, attend community forums, and submit feedback through surveys before a final recommendation is presented to the board in February.
The district plans to present at least three boundary proposals in phases, with a comprehensive version covering both southern and eastern portions expected before a January board meeting for initial feedback. The final recommendation is slated for a February vote.
Meridian families should monitor the district’s website for updates and consider how the boundary adjustments might affect school assignments for their children. Participation in the upcoming forums and surveys will give parents a voice in shaping the future of their neighborhood schools.
Sources: kivitv.com
