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District to close Grants Pass Junior High program and reassign students after low enrollment and high cost
Summary
Superintendent said the junior-high program across the street served roughly 60 students, was costly to operate and will be shut down; the district plans to reabsorb students into existing campuses and reuse some spaces for professional development or community meetings.
Superintendent Sweeney told the board that Grants Pass Junior High, originally intended for 7th–9th graders, evolved into a program that mainly served 8th and 9th graders and carried high per-student costs. “We had, I don't know, 60 students … just under 60 students,” he said, and noted fewer than 20 eighth-graders this year, which contributed to the decision to close the program and reassign students to other campuses.
Sweeney clarified that the portable buildings would remain in place because the cost to move and reinstall a building is substantial—about $300,000 to move plus roughly $150,000 in site work—so the district will focus on repurposing spaces and negotiating use of rooms with Grants Pass High School. Board members asked about transitions for students with behavioral or anxiety needs and the district indicated it will add supports at receiving schools; staff will return with details about space allocation and program continuity.
