News Summary

In Millcreek, Utah, parents and community members are rallying against the proposed closure of Eastwood Elementary School, a high-performing institution in the Granite School District. With a significant decline in student enrollment, district officials argue for the closure, but demonstrators express their strong opposition, highlighting the school’s successful history and community importance. A public meeting is set for November to discuss concerns, with a final decision expected in December. The outcome holds implications for local families and education stability in the area.

Granite

Parents and community members in Millcreek, Utah, are protesting against the proposed closure of Eastwood Elementary School, a recognized high-performing educational institution within the Granite School District. As discussions about the school’s future unfold, demonstrators have rallied outside Skyline High School and other locations, voicing their strong opposition to the decision that could affect numerous families.

With a school mascot of the eagle, protest chants have expressed the community’s love for Eastwood Elementary, emphasizing phrases such as, “Don’t mess with our Eagle’s Nest!” Parents like Nastasya Mangone have criticized the proposals, arguing that the closure of a thriving school does not make sense given its performance. Keaton Gelwix, another concerned parent, conveyed frustration regarding the sense of being unheard, reiterating the community’s attachment to the school.

According to the Granite School District, the driving factor behind the proposal to close Eastwood is a significant decline in student enrollment. Superintendent Ben Horsley has reported a drop of over 15,000 students in the last decade, with the overall decrease tallying to 20,000 students over the past 25 years. Currently, Eastwood Elementary operates at a utilization rate of merely 54%, with an enrollment of 270 students out of a capacity for 500. This low enrollment raises concerns about operational viability.

If the closure proceeds, Eastwood’s boundaries will merge with those of Oakridge Elementary, which itself has a utilization rate of 47%. The decision to keep Oakridge open over Eastwood is based on its larger capacity and more favorable logistics for student pick-up and drop-off. The district’s administration faces criticism for disrupting the school community while struggling to address changing demographics and enrollment trends.

Historically, Eastwood stands out in the state of Utah as a top 10 elementary school and holds a Gold-standing certification in STEM education. The proposals for school closures are part of a broader pattern observed in the Granite School District, which has shut down 10 schools over the past seven years due to ongoing enrollment declines. Morningside Elementary has also been mentioned in discussions about potential closure but may transition into a K-5 French dual language immersion program instead.

In light of the protests and community feedback, the Granite School District’s board continues to assess enrollment numbers and resource allocation. A public meeting is scheduled for November 2023 to further address concerns regarding Eastwood’s potential closure. A final decision on the matter is expected to be announced in December 2023, allowing some time for continued discussions and community input.

As the situation develops, many parents and community members remain vigilant, advocating for the preservation of their local school and emphasizing the significance of educational stability for families in Millcreek. The outcome of these deliberations will impact not just Eastwood Elementary, but also the future of education within the district.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 13 Now
• Wikipedia: Education in Utah
• Salt Lake Tribune
• Google Search: Granite School District
• KSL News
• Google Scholar: School Closures in Utah
• Virtual Builder Exchange
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Millcreek
• KSL TV
• Google News: Millcreek School Closure

Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER

MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.