The San José Unified School District (SJUSD) board voted Thursday night to close five elementary schools: Empire Gardens, Lowell, Gardner, Canoas, and Terrell. The decision comes as part of the district’s “Schools of Tomorrow” plan, and will likewise relocate the Hammer Montessori program to the Gardner campus.
School Closures Spark Community Outcry
The vote followed a meeting packed with parents and educators who voiced concerns that the process was rushed and would cause instability for students. Dina Solnit, a teacher at Canoas Elementary, expressed worry about transportation for her students, noting that many families live far from the proposed new schools and could face unsafe commutes.
SJUSD has stated it will provide transportation for students who live more than a mile and a half from their new school, but only for the next school year. A key concern raised by parents is that the closures will disproportionately impact Latino and socio-economically disadvantaged students. More than 70% of students at four of the five schools set to close identify as Hispanic or Latino, compared to approximately 55.2% of all SJUSD students.
Parent and teacher Tatiana Pineda stated that parents experience their voices have not been heard throughout the process, particularly those who speak Spanish. Earlier this week, parents filed a legal complaint alleging the closure plan violates state and federal anti-discrimination regulations. During Thursday’s meeting, a statement from San José Mayor Matt Mahan, read by Silvia Scandar Mahan, urged the board to reconsider and work directly with affected parents and educators.
The school district is now required to investigate the discrimination claims and report its findings within 60 days. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, parents could pursue further legal action at the state level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria did SJUSD utilize to select schools for closure?
The committee identified schools based on enrollment, targeting those with fewer than 300 students. They also considered whether schools had special education and bilingual programs.
What is SJUSD’s “ideal” elementary school size?
According to SJUSD’s website, its “ideal” elementary school would have three classes per grade level, or four classes at schools with English immersion and bilingual programs.
What happens next with the legal complaint filed by parents?
The school district will investigate the parents’ discrimination claims and report its findings within 60 days. Parents could escalate the legal challenge to the state depending on the district’s conclusions.
As the district moves forward with these changes, how might the community work to ensure the needs of all students are met during this transition?
