Salt Lake City school board orders studies of Innovations Early College, Washington magnet; Nibley Park reconfiguration recommended

Salt Lake City School District board members voted Aug. 5 to direct staff to study potential long‑term closure of Innovations Early College High School and Washington Elementary’s magnet special‑enrollment program and to move forward with a study and public process on reconfiguring Nibley Park from a K–8 to an elementary school. The board set a timetable that, if followed, would present study materials to the public in early October and seek board action before year’s end.

District staff said the step is part of the district’s policy G5 process for school closure and reconfiguration. “Our aim is to build vibrant learning communities and use resources efficiently for student learning,” Brian Connolly, the district’s boundaries and planning director, told the board when presenting the recommendations.

Why it matters: the studies may lead to formal closures or reconfiguration that affect student assignments, course offerings, transportation and staffing. State law also constrains timing: the district noted a board decision on closures must be recorded by Dec. 31 and said earlier action gives families more time to plan.

What staff told the board - Innovations Early College High School: Opened in 2012–13, Innovations was designed to offer a blended instruction model and access to on‑campus concurrent enrollment at Salt Lake Community College. Connolly said preliminary data show low enrollment and limited use of on‑campus concurrent‑enrollment courses; the proposed study will evaluate whether Innovations continues to meet its original mission. The district plans an in‑depth study and an information session for stakeholders if the board approves the study.

- Washington Elementary (magnet/special enrollment program): The district said the program began as a three‑year pilot and was not renewed; current students in the magnet will finish out the year. Because policy G5 covers special enrollment programs, staff recommended the formal study and a November board vote so families receive timely notice.

- Nibley Park (K–8 → elementary reconfiguration): The district recommended studying reconfiguring Nibley Park to an elementary school for the 2026–27 school year, citing low middle‑grade enrollment and limited ability to staff full secondary course offerings. Connolly told the board the 2025–26 anticipated enrollment for grades 7–8 at Nibley Park is about 64 students and that many students currently living in the Nibley Park boundary choose to attend Hillside Middle School or other middle schools through open enrollment.

Board action and next steps: The board approved motions to study Innovations and Washington and directed staff to begin required notifications under state law; the board also endorsed staff moving forward with the Nibley Park study/reconfiguration process. The district said in‑depth studies will be made available for a minimum 30‑day public review and that information sessions will be scheduled at affected schools. If the board directs changes after the study, staff said they will include implementation timelines and transportation implications.

What staff will examine: district staff said the studies will look at enrollment trends, course access (including concurrent enrollment), staffing and program costs, facility use and transportation impacts; the district will notify families of timelines and post study documents for public review.