Northern Colorado school district considers closing nine schools next fall

Poudre School District will consider closing nine schools and consolidating others beginning next fall.

According to the PSD website, the district's Comprehensive Planning Committee has made the recommendation to begin in fall 2027.

According to PSD, the district has about 10,000 empty seats and fewer children arriving each year. The district posted a video on YouTube for parents and caregivers about the challenge of declining enrollment and its impact on the entire district. 

The district said principals have been notified if their school is on the list and were instructed to pass the information along to staff on Friday.

The proposed school closures include:

• Beattie Elementary - students would be assigned to Lopez Elementary School and Bennett Elementary School.
• Iris Elementary - students would be assigned to Cache la Poudre Elementary School and Bauder Elementary School. A cohort of multilingual language learners would be offered the opportunity to attend Harris Bilingual Immersion Elementary School.
• Johnson Elementary - students would be assigned to Olander Elementary School and McGraw Elementary School.
• Putnam Elementary - students would be assigned to Dunn Elementary School and Tavelli Elementary School.
• Livermore, Red Feather Lakes and Stove Prairie Elementary - students would be assigned to Cache la Poudre Elementary School.
• Timnath Elementary - students would be assigned to Linton Elementary School and Bamford Elementary School.
• Blevins Middle School - students would be assigned to Webber Middle School and Lincoln Middle School.

The suggested changes would also consolidate Centennial High School and Poudre Community Academy to form a new school.

In a message to students and families on Friday evening, Poudre School District Superintendent Brian Kingsley said, in part:

"To Our Students

I know this news is difficult. For many of you, your school is your home away from home, a place where you belong and where you experience the joy of learning alongside your classmates each and every day. While the school building you attend may change for next school year, I can assure you that the sense of belonging you feel in your school will not. The teachers and staff at your new school are ready and excited to welcome you.

I also know that it may be difficult to come to school each day in a school that you know is closing. The feelings that you are having about this change are valid. If you need support, please let the front office or your school counselor know. You have a community of support surrounding you that is ready to help!

To Our Families 

I know this change is difficult for you as well. You entrust us with the care of your children every day and we do not take that responsibility lightly. The district is committed to supporting your students and each PSD family impacted school closures. 

There are undoubtedly many questions about what this change will mean for families. To help answer those questions, the district will host meetings for families at affected schools. The dates/times of these meetings will be sent to impacted families. These sessions are open only to the families of the schools where they are scheduled.

PSD's student Mental Health team will also be in attendance to provide support and guidance for you and your student. An FAQ with information is also available on the PSD website here. We appreciate your partnership as we navigate this period of change together."

The letter also addressed the district's staff. Kingsley recognized the uncertainty and concern they may feel about the changes and said the district will hold staff meetings at the affected schools. He said Human Resources and Employee Assistance Services team members will be available at the meetings to answer questions.

In a statement to CBS Colorado, the Poudre Education Association said, "PEA is committed to supporting certified staff through this difficult process and will advocate for transparency and ensure the contract is followed through this process."

More information on the proposed changes is available online.