Peoria Schools to Discuss Closures and Model Changes

The Peoria Unified School District is facing potential changes as it begins the second semester of the school year. The district has announced plans to discuss the closure of Kachina and Pioneer Elementary schools and modifications to Cactus High School, among other adjustments.

Proposed Changes in Peoria Schools

The proposed adjustments include:

• Closing Kachina and Pioneer Elementary schools for the upcoming year
• Transforming Cactus High School into an institution for grades 7 through 12
• Making Oakwood a pre-K through sixth-grade school by the 2028-2029 school year
• Operating Peoria eCampus solely for grades 9 through 12
• Relocating Peoria Flex Academy
• Expanding MET Professional Academy at Peoria High School’s Old Main

No Final Decisions Yet

District officials have clarified that no final decisions have been made. A retreat is scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. for the Governing Board to discuss these issues, review the district budget, and evaluate a new capital master plan.

Later that day, at 6 p.m., the board will hold its first regular meeting of the year. During this meeting, members might initiate discussions on school closures, which could lead to a public hearing in the future. Dr. Kenneth Christopher “KC” Somers emphasized the importance of community input in the decision-making process.

Challenges Facing the District

The proposals come amid ongoing challenges such as declining enrollment and budget constraints. Many schools within the Cactus High School Cluster have experienced significant enrollment drops, prompting the district’s response.

Last November, voters rejected a budget override, resulting in an expected cut of $33 million over the next three years. Additionally, the district used $5.3 million from reserves to maintain staffing levels during the previous year.

Regional Context

Peoria Unified School District is not alone in facing these issues. Several other districts in Arizona are also considering campus closures. Recent decisions include:

• Scottsdale Unified School District voted to close two campuses
• Kyrene Elementary School District approved closing six schools by 2028
• Roosevelt School District authorized closing five schools in December 2024
• Paradise Valley Unified School District decided to close three schools in February
• Gilbert Public Schools is also contemplating closing an elementary school

As discussions continue, the Peoria Unified School District remains committed to exploring options that will best serve its students and families while addressing the financial challenges it faces.