Mesa Public Schools holds PADAC hearing on proposed Wilson-area boundary changes and Franklin K–12 plan

Mesa Public Schools staff presented proposed attendance-boundary changes Sept. 9 at a PADAC public hearing, saying the district is pursuing reassignments around Wilson Elementary to maximize campus capacity and to support a proposed expansion of the Franklin choice program toward a K–12 pathway at Brimhall.

"At Mesa Public Schools, we're trying to avoid closing schools," Justin Wing, chief of staff for Mesa Public Schools, said during the public presentation, citing long-term enrollment declines and a projected national drop of roughly 2.8 million students from 2021 to 2030. Wing said Wilson’s enrollment has dropped about 40 percent in five years and that, under the proposed shifts, Jefferson would have roughly 240 available seats, Johnson about 85 and Madison about 66.

The presentation outlined options to move parts of Wilson’s attendance area into neighboring elementary boundaries. District staff said parents in the affected areas will be notified by mail and electronic communications; the district reported outreach to 3,800 families as of early September and said FAQ…