Jefferson County school officials are looking at ways to cut costs that might include closing schools, and the public is being asked to weigh in on the process.
Officials are seeking public input on what should be considered when the district decides whether to close a school, repurpose a building or change a school’s enrollment boundaries.
“We are looking at having $40 million in cuts over the next three years,” said Jefferson County Superintendent Cindy Stevenson. “It’s this constant balancing act. We have great reserves. We are spending those down to cushion that impact. We have to do continuous reductions.”
Two years ago, Denver closed several low-performing and under-enrolled schools. Last year, Littleton’s board voted to close two schools.
Jefferson County is the state’s largest school district, but its enrollment has fluctuated over the years.
Enrollment has held steady in the past two years, growing in some areas. However, there are some neighborhoods where schools are serving fewer students.
“It’s unequal distribution,” Stevenson said.
No schools are being targeted for closure and the process is only in the beginning stages, she said.
Closing an elementary school saves $300,000 to $500,000. Closing a secondary school saves $800,000 to $1 million a year, Stevenson said.
“With all of the agony, it’s not a lot of money,” Stevenson said.
Meetings this week are about the district’s interim report and the criteria being recommended to use when deciding what should happen with a building.
The evaluation should be based on: academic achievement, building condition, capacity use, choice in and out, enrollment trends and operating costs, according to a subcommittee.
In November, meetings will be held about the options of what to do with the buildings.
The board is likely to receive a final report from the facilities subcommittee in January, with a vote to follow.
Jeremy P. Meyer: 303-954-1367 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com
Want to weigh in?
Jefferson County schools will hold public meetings on how its costs might be cut:
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Chatfield High School auditorium, 7227 S. Simms St., Littleton
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Arvada West High School auditorium, 11595 Allendale Drive, Arvada
