Salem-Keizer recommends closing six elementary schools in 2027

Salem-Keizer Public Schools recommends closing six elementary schools beginning in fall 2027 and changing attendance boundaries for the 2027–28 school year. The school board had not voted as of Oct. 10, and a decision is expected Dec. 8.

The Oct. 9 recommendation names Brush College, Candalaria, Cummings, Englewood, Liberty and Richmond, six of the district’s 42 elementary schools. Five are in Salem; Cummings Elementary is in Keizer. The district reports enrollment has fallen from a peak of about 42,000 students to approximately 36,000. Leaders cite declining enrollment and facility conditions as reasons for the proposed consolidation.

Preliminary maps could affect students beyond closing schools

The district estimates roughly 95% of students would not be affected by potential reassignments. Estimates reported by Salem Reporter say 1,702 students attend the six proposed closure schools. Of those, 1,392 would move to other elementary schools; the remainder would move on to middle school. Another 542 students could change schools under the preliminary boundary redraw even though their current schools would remain open. The initial redraw affects 16 schools.

The maps are preliminary and subject to review, with final boundary decisions expected in February 2027. Families affected by a boundary change may apply for an exemption to remain at their current school, but the district says it will not provide transportation for students using that option.

The district says access to special-education classrooms and dual-language programs will continue. Some students in specialized classrooms may attend a different receiving school than other students. Deputy Superintendent Olga Cobb said district leaders would try to keep those students with their teachers where possible.

The district estimates about 250 staff members would be affected by the closures and boundary changes. Under an agreement with staffing unions, employees at closing schools are to receive preference for placement in the 2027–28 school year. The estimate is not a count of expected layoffs.

District projections and board schedule

The district projects the proposal would change how its elementary facilities are used:

The district also estimates that about $15 million in deferred maintenance and repair costs at the proposed closure sites could be avoided. That is separate from the superintendent’s estimate, reported by Salem Reporter, of less than $1 million in savings per site.

Board member Krissy Hudson opposed the closure policy in September, arguing that reasonable alternatives should be exhausted before neighborhood schools close. The district scheduled listening sessions for Oct. 14–17 and extended public-comment time at board meetings on Oct. 13 and 20. District leaders are scheduled to present the recommendation to the board on Oct. 13 at 4 p.m.