Kyrene trustees hear emotional public comments opposing proposed closures as long-range planning committee readies recommendations

TEMPE, Ariz. — The Kyrene Elementary District governing board took public testimony from 29 speakers Tuesday evening as the districtlong-range planning committee moved toward formal recommendations on school configuration and potential closures.

Parents, students and staff filled the boardroom to urge trustees to retain high-performing and choice programs, especially in East Kyrene and at several schools repeatedly named by speakers, including Kyrene de la Mariposa, Kyrene Traditional Academy, Kyrene de la Mirada and Akimel Middle School. Many warned that closing those programs or campuses would prompt families to leave the district, reducing operating revenue and disrupting programs that community members said are hard to recreate.

The long-range planning committeehas been meeting since February and, according to Vice President Trina Nelson, drew about 54 participants and used a regional model to prioritize program and facilities options. The committeeasked the district demographer to evaluate regional scenarios intended to minimize boundary changes and preserve geographic equity; the demographerwill present recommendations to the board at the next regular meeting on Sept. 16.

Speakers repeatedly contrasted two East-Kyrene options discussed by the committee, labeled by commenters as "Option A" and "Option B." Several parents told the board that Option A better…