San Jose Unified School District is considering school closures amid declining enrollment and equity concerns, prompting community protests and discussions on the future of local education.
The San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) is facing significant challenges as it contemplates the restructuring of its schools due to declining enrollment and equity issues. The San Jose Teachers Association has urged the district to address these concerns as it navigates a complex decision-making process regarding potential school closures.
Currently, SJUSD operates 41 schools, including 26 elementary schools. To facilitate discussions on the future of these institutions, the district established a Schools of Tomorrow advisory committee, which completed its work last semester. An implementation committee, composed of district and union representatives, teachers, and parents, is now tasked with making recommendations on school closures by March 5, with the school board expected to make a final decision on March 12.
During a recent meeting of the implementation committee, concerned parents voiced their opposition to the proposed closures. Hundreds braved inclement weather to protest outside the district office, filling the main meeting room and overflow spaces. Many attendees held signs advocating for their schools, with messages such as “Williams: Stop the Whale Hunt” and “Simonds IS the School of Tomorrow!”
Committee Chair Patrick Bernhardt acknowledged the emotional weight of the discussions, stating, “We recognize that many of you are here tonight because you care deeply about your school communities. This process is difficult.”
During the meeting, the committee discarded one proposed option while introducing new alternatives. One option includes closing nine elementary schools: Almaden, Anne Darling, Canoas, Gardner, Lowell, Rachel Carson, Selma Olinder, Simonds, and Walter L. Bachrodt. Additionally, Hammer Montessori at Galarza would relocate to the Rachel Carson facility. Another option would close Empire Gardens, Gardner, Lowell, Rachel Carson, Reed, Selma Olinder, Terrell, Walter L. Bachrodt, and Williams.
Trustee Nicole Gribstad expressed concerns about the timeline for these decisions, stating at a virtual town hall the night before the committee meeting that school closures should be a last resort. “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,” she said, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
According to SJUSD, enrollment has decreased by over 6,000 students since the 2017-18 school year, with 12 elementary schools now serving fewer than 350 students each. The district currently has approximately 25,000 students enrolled from transitional kindergarten through grade 12.
The district explained on its website that the number of students at a school directly influences the allocation of teachers and support staff, such as counselors and nurses. This, in turn, affects the programs schools can offer, including science, arts, and music. The Schools of Tomorrow initiative aims to address the challenges posed by declining enrollment in a manner that prioritizes student needs.
Declining enrollment is not unique to SJUSD; it is a statewide issue affecting various districts in the San Jose area. For instance, the Franklin-McKinley School District closed three elementary schools in 2025, while the Berryessa Union School District and Alum Rock Union School District closed three and six schools, respectively, in 2024.
Renata Sanchez, president of the San Jose Teachers Association, acknowledged the emotional nature of the discussions surrounding school closures. “This work is challenging and emotional, and we all want what is best for our students,” she told San José Spotlight. “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.”
Sanchez also highlighted that the unions have negotiated with the school district to ensure that no teachers or staff will lose their jobs as a result of the consolidations. She views this as an opportunity to address systemic issues of racism and disparities within the education system.
<p“It was important to the committee that we’re making the decisions not based on academic achievement, because academic achievement is an imperfect measure of the effectiveness of a school and the effectiveness of teaching staff,” Sanchez explained. “What is different are the circumstances that our students are living in and the experiences that they’re bringing with them to the schools.”
Parents have expressed concerns about the potential impact of school closures on struggling communities. Lizeth Hernandez, a parent at Lowell Elementary, noted that such changes could create significant challenges for families already facing difficulties. “New school models can mean longer commutes, transportation issues, child care gaps, and parents having to rearrange work schedules when you are already juggling multiple jobs,” she said during the meeting.
Parent Travis Curran emphasized the importance of walkable neighborhood schools, stating that they foster meaningful conversations with children. “You’re not making eye contact and you’re in motion and you’re just kind of walking side by side. It makes my kids speak up a whole lot more and share with me about how their day was,” he explained. “You lose things like that if you look at shutting down a community school.”
This ongoing discussion reflects the broader challenges facing educational institutions in the region as they strive to adapt to changing demographics and community needs. As the SJUSD implementation committee continues its work, the outcome will significantly impact the future of education in San Jose.
This article has been republished with permission from San José Spotlight.
