Kyrene public hearing draws dozens urging board to keep Ockee Mall open; families warn of harms to dual‑language and special‑needs programs

Dozens of students, parents and staff told the Kyrene Elementary District Governing Board on Oct. 21 that a proposed set of school closures and boundary changes would harm students’ learning, continuity and specialized services—particularly the district’s dual‑language pathway and self‑contained special‑education (CCD) classrooms.

Superintendent Laura Tenas, speaking at the start of the hearing, reviewed the long‑range planning committee’s modified recommendation and said the district is “seeking feedback on the modified proposal which will go to the board for a possible vote in December.” She told the room there would be no changes before December and that maps have been revised based on early feedback.

Why it matters: The board is weighing multi‑year closures and boundary changes that the superintendent said would take effect in two phases. Elementary closures are proposed for the 2026‑27 and 2027‑28 school years and several middle‑school changes are proposed for 2027‑28. Parents and staff at the hearing said those timelines and relocations risk disrupting students who need routine and specialized supports.

Key proposals presented by the superintendent

- Elementary: Superintendent Tenas said, as presented, several elementary campuses are slated for consolidation in the 2026‑27 school year (transcript: “2627”) and additional…