Superintendent recommends pursuing elementary school closure; public hearings set for May 26 and June 8

The district’s superintendent told the Leavenworth Unified School District board on May 11 that mounting new expenses and staff reductions make it necessary to consider closing an elementary school for fiscal year 2027.

“On May 11, we are officially above the line,” the superintendent said, then recommended the board “pursue the closure of an elementary building.” He said the district is tracking roughly $2.1 million in new expenses and expects a net reduction of about 39 full-time-equivalent positions across the district, including an estimated 7 FTE reduction in administration.

The board agreed to convert the May 26 work session into a special public meeting from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for public input on the proposal and to hold the required public hearing during the regular June 8 meeting; the superintendent asked administration to publish legal notice on May 20 and May 27.

Board members and staff discussed outreach and transparency measures for families, including publishing the hearing dates and sign-up instructions and offering additional notices to families of students with special needs. One board member urged extra community meetings and direct outreach to reach working families who might not attend daytime sessions.

The superintendent said he would finalize and deliver the additional details and proposed mechanics for a June action, and recommended the board not delay the decision into fiscal 2027 debate. The district indicated it would provide more complete budget line items by June 8 as carrier and utility figures are finalized.

Next steps: the board will receive additional financial detail before the June 8 meeting; the May 26 special meeting will allow public comment, and the June 8 public hearing will be the formal opportunity for community testimony before any board action.