Kyrene School District considers closing up to 8 schools amid declining enrollment

TEMPE, Ariz. — The Kyrene School District could soon begin the process of closing as many as eight schools, a move driven by steep enrollment declines that are reshaping public education across Arizona.

The Kyrene School Board on Tuesday evening is expected to discuss the potential closures. 

The district, which once served about 20,000 students, now enrolls roughly 12,000 — a drop that mirrors a broader statewide trend.

If approved, Kyrene would join a growing list of districts forced to shutter campuses due to falling student numbers. 

Cave Creek, Phoenix Elementary, Isaac, Roosevelt, Gilbert, and Scottsdale school districts have all recently closed or voted to close schools. Fewer students result in less public funding.

If Kyrene closes all eight under consideration, the total number of school closures statewide this year could reach about two dozen.

Education leaders say declining birth rates, rising housing costs, and changing family choices are all contributing to fewer students in traditional public schools.

Paul Tighe, executive director of the Arizona School Administrators, said districts are being forced to make painful decisions as fixed costs remain high while enrollment drops. Further, Arizona ranks at or near the bottom in school funding compared to other states.

Public school districts are not the only institutions affected. 

According to the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools, at least 20 charter schools have closed following the 2024-2025 school year. Charter schools are publicly funded but privately operated.

At the same time, Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program continues to expand. 

The voucher-style program allows families to use state education dollars for homeschooling or private education expenses. 

Nearly 99,000 students are enrolled in the program, which is projected to cost at least $1 billion this fiscal year. 

The ESA program had approximately 8,000 children in the summer of 2022, when it was expanded to all Arizona children.

“More students have opted into the ESA voucher program,” Tighe said. “It’s taking kids out of public schools, both charter and K-12 districts.”

The ESA program has drawn scrutiny from some Democratic lawmakers, Gov. Katie Hobbs, and Attorney General Kris Mayes for its limited oversight. 

A 12News investigation found parents were able to spend tax dollars on items such as diamond rings, household appliances, and lingerie with little to no accountability.

Another 12News investigation also uncovered approximately $440 million sitting unused in ESA accounts, money that can later be applied toward college expenses.

As voucher participation grows, traditional public schools across Arizona continue to struggle with declining enrollment and shrinking budgets — a combination that is forcing districts like Kyrene to confront difficult choices about their future.

Meanwhile, these are the options for the Kyrene School Board.

The original plan, presented two months ago, calls for the most extensive cuts:

Initial Proposal: Closing eight schools (six elementary, two middle schools).

• Kyrene de la Colina
• Kyrene de la Estrella
• Kyrene del Milenio
• Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School

• Kyrene Traditional Academy
• Kyrene de la Mariposa
• Kyrene de las Manitas
• Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School

Following public hearings and community feedback, the board requested two alternative options:

Alternate Proposal 1: Closing six schools (four elementary, two middle schools).

• Kyrene de la Colina
• Kyrene de la Estrella
• Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School

• Kyrene Traditional Academy
• Kyrene de las Manitas
• Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School

Alternate Proposal 2: Closing five schools (all elementary schools).

• Kyrene de la Colina
• Kyrene de la Estrella
• Kyrene del Milenio

• Kyrene Traditional Academy
• Kyrene de las Manitas

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