The Boulder Valley School District held a regular meeting on September 9, 2025, where significant concerns were raised regarding proposed changes to school boundaries affecting Creekside Elementary families. The meeting featured multiple speakers, primarily parents, who expressed their opposition to the plan to transition current Creekside students to Bear Creek Elementary.
The first speaker highlighted the emotional and academic disruption that such a move would cause for children who have spent years building friendships and connections at Creekside. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a diverse and supportive environment, which has been beneficial for their multiracial children. The speaker argued that the district's goal of fostering community contradicts the reality of uprooting established relationships.
Julie Simmons, another parent, echoed these sentiments, stating that families had previously chosen Creekside based on its community and support systems. She urged the board to consider the well-being of children, noting that late elementary school transitions can lead to emotional distress and academic setbacks. Simmons suggested that any boundary changes should only apply to new families, allowing current students to finish their education in the community they know.
Tim Simmons, also a parent, pointed out the negative impacts on students who would remain at Creekside if their classmates were moved. He requested that the board allow these children the option to stay, similar to the guarantees provided to school choice families. Kathleen Donahue reinforced this perspective, arguing that the abrupt transition would be unfair and detrimental to the friendships and stability that families have built over the years.
Kim Trenbath, another speaker, emphasized the importance of maintaining school choice and the critical role of transportation in supporting working families. She highlighted the unique international aspect of the Creekside community, which fosters valuable connections among students.
The meeting concluded with a clear call from parents for the school board to reconsider the proposed boundary changes. They urged the board to prioritize stability, community, and the well-being of students, suggesting that a phased approach for new kindergarteners would be a more equitable solution. The discussions underscored the deep emotional ties families have to their schools and the potential consequences of disrupting those connections.