(KRON) — The Superintendent of the Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD) recommended Monday the closure and consolidation of several schools to tackle a $20 million budget shortfall, pointing the financial blame at lower birth rates, declining student enrollment and the end of temporary COVID relief funding.
Superintendent Germán Cerda said in a press release that the recommendation entails “the closure of seven schools, consolidation of two schools, and redesign of one school within the district.” As part of the plan, students would transition to other ARUSD schools for the full 2025-2026 school year.
“Currently, district funds are stretched across partially full schools, which limits our ability to fully support all students,” Superintendent Cerda said. “By consolidating and closing schools, we can reallocate these funds to enhance essential programs and increase academic and enrichment opportunities across the district. Although difficult, focusing our resources in fewer schools will make a positive difference in the lives of students for years to come. We recognize that this decision may be difficult for many in our community. Our focus throughout this process is to minimize disruption and ensure that all students and staff feel supported during this transition.”
Cerda said the recommendations come after a “thorough review process” with an advisory committee consisting of a parent representing each school, school administrators, labor representatives and district staff.
In addition to school consolidations and closures, the district is also planning on “substantially reducing staffing levels,” said Cerda.
ARUSD confirmed the below schools are recommended for closure and consolidation, with the receiving schools also listed.
Schools recommended for closure
| School | Receiving schools |
| Aptitud Community Academy at Goss | Ryan Steam Academy (Grades Transitional Kindergarten – TK -5) Renaissance Academy at Mathson (Grades 6-8) |
| Donald J. Meyer Elementary School | Hubbard Media Arts Academy |
| Horace Cureton Elementary School | Linda Vista Elementary School |
| Joseph George Middle School | Sheppard Middle School |
| Lyndale Elementary School | Russo / McEntee Academy Ryan STEAM Academy – Special Education Autism PK program will be transferred to San Antonio Elementary |
| Renaissance Academy at Fischer | Ocala STEAM Academy – Students interested in continuing the Renaissance model may transfer to Renaissance Academy at Mathson |
| Sylvia Cassell Elementary School | Dorsa Elementary School |
Schools recommended for consolidation (not closure)
| School | Consolidation School |
| LUCHA Academy | San Antonio Elementary School |
| Painter Elementary School | Sheppard Middle School – Students in the Vietnamese Dual Language Immersion program will consolidate with Sheppard Middle School Millard McCollam Elementary – Students in the Structured English Immersion program will attend Millard McCollam Elementary |
School recommended for design
| School | Redesign of school & student reassignment |
| Chavez Early Learning Center | Chavez Early Learning Center (Ages 0 – Preschool Age) – Students in the Chavez Early Learning Center will continue at Chavez through the partnership with Kidango. San Antonio Elementary School (Grades TK & K) – Students in Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten will be reassigned to San Antonio Elementary School |
Superintendent Cerda will present the recommendations to the ARUSD Board of Trustees at a public hearing on Nov. 14, and the Board of Trustees will then make the final decision on Dec. 2.
(KRON) — The Superintendent of the Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD) recommended Monday the closure and consolidation of several schools to tackle a $20 million budget shortfall, pointing the financial blame at lower birth rates, declining student enrollment and the end of temporary COVID relief funding. Superintendent Germán Cerda said in a press release […]
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