QUICK SUMMARY
Parents expressed anger and sorrow over Gilbert Public School's plan to close Pioneer Elementary due to declining enrollment, which currently stands at 268 students. Superintendent Dr. Shane McCord cited factors such as a declining birth rate and high housing costs as reasons for the drop in student numbers, while the closure could save the district $2.5 million in operational costs.
Parents expressed strong emotions during a hearing regarding Gilbert Public School's proposal to close Pioneer Elementary, which currently serves 268 students. Superintendent Dr. Shane McCord attributed the decline in enrollment to a national drop in birth rates and high housing costs, which limit families’ ability to move into the district. Dr. Jason Martin, assistant superintendent, indicated that schools with fewer than 400 students face challenges in providing quality educational programs. The closure could result in a $2.5 million savings for the district in operational costs, including staff salaries and utilities. Affected students would be relocated to nearby schools, but parents remained skeptical about the district's commitment to resolving the enrollment decline. McCord's comments were met with frustration, as parents questioned the lack of proactive measures taken over the past years. The district has not yet decided on the future use of the Pioneer campus once it closes. Pioneer’s teachers will receive priority for positions within the district as the school year ends.