West Boise families received the news they feared on Monday night: the West Ada School Board voted unanimously to close McMillan Elementary School after the 2026‑27 school year. The decision, announced at the board’s regular meeting, follows a decade‑long decline in enrollment and a projected $5.4 million maintenance bill over the next ten years.
Board rationale focuses on fiscal responsibility
Board Chair Lori Frasure emphasized the district’s duty to use taxpayer dollars wisely. “We are charged with trying to accurately use taxpayer dollars. That has to be part of our decision‑making, and this hurts,” she said.
Board member Binetti added, “At a certain point I simply have to look at the mathematics of it.” The district reports that enrollment at McMillan has fallen 60 % over the past ten years, leaving just 172 students in the building today.
Parents react with disappointment and worry
Parents at the meeting expressed deep frustration. Alexis Rupley, whose daughter is a kindergartner at McMillan, said, “I cried. I was at the meeting. I cried. I was really angry and I was really upset.” She added that many families feel their voices were not heard before the decision was made.
Antonina Robles, mother of two children currently attending McMillan, echoed the sentiment: “Honestly, this decision was made before Monday. If you really ask me, I feel like this decision, they brought our hopes up as parents.”
For families with special‑needs children, the loss feels especially acute. Rupley noted that her autistic daughter has thrived in the smaller school setting, saying, “She has grown leaps and bounds from the support of McMillan’s staff.”
Impact on the broader community
McMillan is a Title I school serving families from diverse backgrounds. Parents worry that navigating the open‑enrollment process will be difficult for non‑English‑speaking households. “I’m very worried for the families that the child speaks English and the parent does not, and now they’re expected to fill out these forms,” said Rebecca Whiting, mother of three.
Some families are even considering leaving the district entirely. Rupley admitted, “To be honest, we’re considering selling our house to leave the West Ada District.” Others are focused on supporting teachers and staff who have been integral to their children’s education.
Next steps for families
The district says families can apply for open enrollment beginning in January. Applications will be reviewed after school‑boundary decisions are finalized, with placement dependent on available space and staffing.
In addition, the district is offering specialized elementary programs, including arts and STEM tracks. Applications for those programs open on Jan. 6, and the first lottery drawing is scheduled for Feb. 12.
McMillan’s final day of instruction is set for May 20, 2027. While the board’s decision reflects a fiscal reality, the community’s concern underscores the importance of preserving strong, local schools that serve families of faith and tradition.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
