Arizona School Districts Announce Closures Amid Declining Enrollment

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Arizona school districts are facing an increasing number of school closures in recent years, largely due to declining enrollment and budget issues. The universal expansion of the state's Empowerment Scholarship Account school voucher program, which allows families to use public education tax dollars for private school or homeschooling expenses, is one major factor behind the loss of students. Additionally, voters in some districts have rejected requests to increase budgets, further contributing to the closures.

Why it matters

The closure of schools can have significant impacts on local communities, disrupting students' education and potentially increasing transportation times and costs for families. It also raises concerns about equitable access to education, especially as the school voucher program continues to grow in the state.

The details

Several Phoenix-area school districts have approved plans to close schools in the coming years. Paradise Valley Unified School District will close three schools after the 2023-2024 school year, while Cave Creek Unified, Isaac, Phoenix Elementary, and Roosevelt school districts will each close two or more schools after 2024-2025. Kyrene Elementary School District has also approved the closure of three schools after the 2026-2027 school year.

• The school closures will take effect after the 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026, and 2026-2027 school years.
• The state's Empowerment Scholarship Account school voucher program expanded to all students in fiscal year 2023, contributing to declining enrollment in public schools.