San Jose's Largest School District Considers Closing Up to 9 Elementary Schools

Declining enrollment prompts San Jose Unified School District to weigh consolidation options

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Santa Clara County's largest school district, San Jose Unified, is considering closing up to nine elementary schools due to declining enrollment. The district formed an advisory committee to evaluate options, which include consolidating schools and redrawing attendance boundaries. Concerned parents have protested the potential closures, arguing they would negatively impact struggling communities.

Why it matters

School closures are a sensitive issue that can significantly disrupt communities, especially those already facing challenges. The decision by San Jose Unified reflects a statewide trend of declining enrollment, forcing districts to make difficult choices about their futures.

The details

The implementation committee, comprised of district and union representatives, teachers and parents, is tasked with choosing which schools to consolidate and where to redraw attendance boundaries. Two options are being considered - one that would close nine elementary schools, and another that would close nine different schools. The committee is striving to provide additional resources for students and balanced school sizes districtwide.

  • The implementation committee will make its recommendation on closures by March 5, 2026.
  • The San Jose Unified School District board will make the final decision on school closures on March 12, 2026.

The players

San Jose Unified School District

The largest school district in Santa Clara County, with 41 schools, 26 of which are elementary schools.

San Jose Teachers Association

The union representing teachers in the San Jose Unified School District, urging the district to consider restructuring the system due to enrollment and equity issues.

Patrick Bernhardt

Chair of the Schools of Tomorrow implementation committee.

Nicole Gribstad

Trustee of the San Jose Unified School District, who said school closures should be the last resort.

Renata Sanchez

President of the San Jose Teachers Association, who said the committee is being thoughtful in its deliberations.

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What they’re saying

“We recognize that many of you are here tonight because you care deeply about your school communities. This process is difficult.”

— Patrick Bernhardt, Committee Chair (sanjosespotlight.com)

“I don't think two months' time is enough time to fully look at the picture and allow for stakeholders to come and have their say. We want to have transparency. We want to have accountability.”

— Nicole Gribstad, Trustee (sanjosespotlight.com)

“This work is challenging and emotional, and we all want what is best for our students. It was also beautiful to see so many communities come out and express the love they have for their school. Each of the speakers brought up good points for the committee to consider.”

— Renata Sanchez, President, San Jose Teachers Association (sanjosespotlight.com)

What’s next

The implementation committee will make its recommendation on school closures by March 5, 2026, and the San Jose Unified School District board will make the final decision on March 12, 2026.

The takeaway

The potential school closures in San Jose Unified School District highlight the difficult decisions districts across California are facing due to declining enrollment. While the process is emotional for communities, the district is aiming to address equity and resource allocation issues in a thoughtful manner.