Closures for the greater good

At the Jeffco School Board meeting on November 11, 2020, people for and against the school closures made their final statements. At the end, the Board voted unanimously to close 16 schools for the good of the District.

Every member of the public speaking about the closures spoke against it, often passionately, always prepared, and often just asking for more time.  Speakers asked for more time because so many points of consideration were raised during this process. The Board responded that they said in August that the schools would close. The public discussion was only to discuss how “best to make the transition.”

The public presented statistics to show that students receiving free lunch or are non-white are more likely to be affected by this decision. The Board agreed but said that is one reason for the closures. By closing the schools, the Board ensures that students receive access to programs that the larger schools may have but the smaller ones lack.

Charter schools were shielded from closures. Ironically, many charters show successful models of education at smaller levels that the school board could adopt to save the schools, if they were willing to do so.

School board members spoke equally passionately and thoughtfully for the closures. One member was disturbed by reduced mental health care at smaller schools. One was disturbed by the reduced access to programs, such as a literacy program.  One explained that smaller schools have been an economic drain on the District for years, if not decades.

The ending arguments seemed to focus on the economics for the District and the level of program access. Closing these schools will save around $7M. On the other hand, as was mentioned by several members of the public, The District could afford pay raises for central administration staff of approximately the same amount. This shows sacrifices by the students, families, and local school staff for the benefit of the District.

This decision seems to enshrine the philosophy of the Greater Good – sacrifice the small and the marginalized for the Greater Good of The District. It seems that Jefferson County Public Schools has decided that the only possible model for a successful school district is large schools, possibly far outside local neighborhoods, with education primarily about programs, rather than the classroom. This decision would be a surprise to small schools around the state. It can be done.

An excellent analysis of what brought us here can be found at: