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Cuyahoga Falls board begins public process on possible elementary closure, seeks community input
Summary
Board members agreed to hold meetings at each elementary school and to survey the community as they gather data on building age, acreage, renovation costs, transportation and enrollment ahead of any closure decision.
The Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education opened an initial public discussion on Feb. 26 about whether to close one of its elementary schools, and members described a plan to take the questions to the community rather than decide behind closed doors.
Board member Mister Gomez proposed that the district host meetings at each elementary school so residents can see data specific to their building and to avoid a process that begins with a predetermined conclusion. "I am not interested in a process that starts with a conclusion in mind," he said, urging meetings in the actual buildings so families can "have their voices heard."
The nut graf: Board members and the superintendent agreed to a data-driven, transparent process that will include school-by-school meetings, an online survey and recorded presentations; the board discussed timing challenges because the district is opening a new building and staff warned compiling detailed facilities reports may require outside consultants and a cost to the district.
Discussion highlights and next steps:
- Scope of the review: Board members said the review should start by examining all six elementary schools and then narrow to a smaller group if appropriate. Members asked for data on enrollment trends, acreage, building age, projected renovation costs, transportation implications, and classroom capacity.
- Community engagement: Members recommended neighborhood meetings held at each campus to "meet people where they are," recorded sessions for families who cannot attend, and a public survey linked by QR code and district communications. One board member suggested offering multiple presentation dates and streaming recordings to broaden access.
- Timing and resources: Superintendent said the district has existing facility reports (a 2018 master facilities study) but acknowledged those documents are dated and that new, detailed engineering or architectural assessments would likely require paid consultants. The superintendent cautioned about staff capacity while the district opens a new school and suggested a phased timeline that could include spring outreach and fall public meetings.
- Mayor's remarks: Therese Dunphy, mayor of Silver Lake and a former school board member, addressed the board and urged attention to student achievement and enrollment data. She told the board the district has "lost more than 20% of its enrollment in the last 10 years" and urged the board to consider academic performance alongside facilities planning.
Board members agreed to draft a survey and communications plan to accompany mailed materials that will go to households in mid-April; the board asked staff to return with a recommended schedule and a list of missing data items the district would need to assemble (cost estimates, up-to-date condition assessments and transportation modeling).
Ending: The board positioned the review as long-term and iterative; members said further public sessions will follow once staff compile requested data and proposed a fall schedule of building-level meetings if warranted.
