The Board votes September 22
Now tell the Board how you feel
A ready-to-send email for every board member, opening with these words. About two minutes.
Write to the Board →As a northern Gilpin County resident who pays into Boulder Valley School District, and as someone who has personally experienced the consequences of school closures in Jefferson County, and the resulting overcrowding in west Arvada, I believe closing Flatirons Elementary is extremely short-sighted. Before permanently closing a neighborhood school, BVSD should do substantially more to identify alternative strategies for keeping Flatirons open. This decision should not be based solely on current enrollment numbers without considering the significant growth occurring throughout the surrounding area. There is substantial residential development underway and planned along the Highway 93 and Highway 72 corridors, while nearby schools are already struggling with capacity. Boulder County has also recently approved land-use changes that could allow greater residential density through smaller lot and building footprints. At the same time, Colorado has approved additional per-pupil education funding. Given these factors, it is difficult to understand how permanently eliminating school capacity in this area is a rational long-term planning decision. Schools are extremely difficult and expensive to replace once they are closed or sold, while population and enrollment trends can change quickly. BVSD should be planning for the next 10 to 20 years, not simply reacting to today’s enrollment numbers. Closing Flatirons Elementary now risks creating the same overcrowding and capacity problems other nearby communities are already experiencing. I strongly urge the district to pursue alternatives before making an irreversible decision that may ultimately prove both short-sighted and costly.
The Board votes September 22
A ready-to-send email for every board member, opening with these words. About two minutes.
Write to the Board →