Residents urge Chandler council to press Kyrene School District after proposal would close three Chandler schools

Speakers at the Chandler City Council meeting on Sept. 18 urged city leaders to push the Kyrene School District to reconsider a proposal that would close three schools serving Chandler students and displace families.

Public commenters Belinda Russell, a community advocate and HOA president, and Kristin Cox, a Chandler resident of 35 years, told the council the district’s draft plan would disproportionately affect Chandler. Russell said Chandler is home to seven Kyrene schools serving about 3,855 students and that closing three of those schools would displace roughly 43% of Kyrene students who attend school in Chandler. Cox told the council the closures could displace “approximately 1,700 students” and warned of longer-term effects on housing demand and property values.

The comments prompted council members to ask staff to gather more information. Mayor Kevin Hartke asked the city manager to reach out to the Kyrene School District and report back to the council on “where and how and opportunities to weigh in.” Council member Orlando said he had asked economic development and planning staff to assemble local economic data that might inform the district’s consultants. Council member Vesper asked presenters to bring possible solutions as well as problems when they come before the council.

Why this matters: Commenters said school closures could destabilize neighborhoods, reduce housing demand, and weaken Chandler’s tax base if families choose to move to neighboring jurisdictions. They also questioned the district’s data and impact assessments and urged the council to use its influence to seek more equitable outcomes for Chandler residents.

Details from public remarks: Russell said the district’s current proposal would close three Chandler schools and that the district has proposed other reconfigurations that would require “millions in new investment” even as it closes facilities. Cox said Murata Elementary has shown positive net enrollment over the past decade and is among the district’s highest-enrolled elementary schools. Both speakers invited council members to attend upcoming district meetings and public hearings; Cox noted a board meeting on Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. and a community hearing on Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. at Pueblo Junior High.

Council response and next steps: Council members did not take formal legislative action on the school closures at the Sept. 18 meeting. The council asked the city manager to contact the Kyrene School District and return with information the city can use to “weigh in,” including economic and planning data and possible avenues for city engagement. No timeline for the city manager’s report was specified during the meeting.

Public-record context: Several council members and residents described robust public comment at recent district meetings; one council member said the district’s president indicated a willingness to consider keeping more schools open pending further study.

The council meeting record shows residents will continue to raise the issue at upcoming Kyrene board events and that staff follow-up was requested by the mayor and multiple council members.