Boise families may soon hear news about their neighborhood school. The West Ada School District’s Long‑Range Planning Committee recommended that the board evaluate the future of McMillan Elementary for the 2027‑28 school year, citing roughly 41% enrollment of its 600‑seat capacity.
Why McMillan is under review
The district’s 2024‑25 budget listed 247 students at McMillan. Across West Ada, enrollment is projected to drop another 200 students for 2026‑27, even as the Treasure Valley continues to grow overall. The disparity reflects shifting population patterns: some neighborhoods are adding many school‑age children while others, like the McMillan catch‑area, are seeing fewer.
Balancing numbers with community needs
District officials stress that the review is not a foregone conclusion. Trustees have asked for public input and will decide no later than Nov. 9. The first community meeting was held on Sept. 14, and a second meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. in the McMillan Elementary gym (10901 W. McMillan Road, Boise). Written comments can also be sent to [email protected] and will become part of the public record.
What the community is saying
Comments on Nextdoor illustrate the range of concerns. One parent warned that the board is “trying to quietly vote to shutter the school,” while another pointed out that the proposal was only presented to trustees the night before families were notified. A mother of a child with special needs expressed that her daughter would be “devastated” if the school closed, emphasizing McMillan’s role as a community hub for at‑risk families.
Other voices question the financial logic of keeping a largely empty building open. A former parent who returned in 2024 noted the stark drop in student numbers and asked whether the district can justify the expense.
District growth elsewhere
West Ada is not simply shrinking. The district opened Independence Elementary in Star this year to relieve severe overcrowding at nearby schools, and plans are underway to replace Lake Hazel Elementary with a larger facility where demand is rising. These actions show that the district is responding to uneven growth patterns rather than a blanket increase or decrease in student population.
How families can influence the outcome
Residents who rely on McMillan Elementary are encouraged to attend the Sept. 22 meeting, submit written comments, or contact board members directly. The district has emphasized that community feedback will be a key factor in the final decision.
What’s next
After the Nov. 9 deadline, the board will announce whether McMillan will remain open, be repurposed, or be closed. Until then, the school continues to operate, and families can still use its programs and services.
Original reporting: 580 KIDO Talk Radio (Boise) — read the source article.
