Skip To Main Content

desktop-menu

mobile-menu

mobile-header-portals-nav

mobile-main-nav

mobile-district-nav

header-container

logo-container

logo-image-desktop

logo-image-mobile

logo-title

right-container

top-right-container

top-bottom-container

Breadcrumb

Creating a Sustainable D51

A young female student is completing a writing assignment at her desk.

Since the fall of 2022, District 51 has been engaged in analyzing our resources, facilities, staffing, and enrollment trends in response to the significant challenges posed by declining enrollment and funding. School closures have become an incredibly personal and complex issue as districts across the nation grapple with similar challenges. Over the past year, we have undertaken a comprehensive review to understand the impact of these trends on our community and make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of our students and staff. On this page, you will find detailed information outlining our journey—from the earliest discussions about the issue to our current phase of implementing school closures. This timeline highlights the careful and intentional steps we’ve taken to navigate this challenging process, with a focus on Creating a Sustainable Future for D51 and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality, equitable education.

A look at the present

Over the past 18 months, District 51 has remained open and transparent with our families, staff, and community about the possibility of school closures at the elementary level in the midst of declining enrollment.

In September, the Board of Education approved Policy FCB: School Closures, and in October, the Board of Education heard an update on declining enrollment and how the criteria developed by the Elementary Declining Enrollment Committee is being used to determine possible candidates for school closure this fall semester. We are committed to keeping staff and families informed throughout the process, and with that commitment in mind, we are releasing the 2024 School Closure Recommendation Report. 

School Closure Recommendation Report

What Happens Next?

On November 19, the Board of Education voted to close Nisley Elementary due to academic underperformance. The decision on closing Clifton and Scenic Elementary, based on the Elementary Declining Enrollment Committee's criteria, was tabled. The Board will reconvene on Friday, November 22, at 5:00 p.m. to vote on this resolution.

Updated November 19, 2024

The Way Forward

What work did District 51 do during the 2023-24 academic year in addressing the ongoing issue of declining enrollment?

Elementary Declining Enrollment Committee (EDEC)

On March 16, 2023, the District 51 Board of Education approved a resolution to move forward with forming a committee to address declining enrollment at the elementary school level in District 51. The Elementary Declining Enrollment Committee was formed in the Spring of 2023, after the Board of Education voted to move forward with the closure of one middle school - East Middle School. The Board of Education charged the committee with working to address declining enrollment in District 51. Their responsibilities included reviewing and gathering data, exploring various pathways (including the impact of closing elementary schools), and developing criteria for potential closures. Superintendent Dr. Hill and District 51 leaders facilitated the committee, which was made up of various members representing district stakeholders including teachers, principals, D51 parents, community members, and local government partners. The group, which also includes Board of Education members and district staff, met twice a month for four-hour sessions to finalize recommendations by September 19, 2023.

EDEC REPORT

25-Year Facility Master Plan

To help the district be strategic in its long-term facility decisions, District 51 hired Hord Coplan Macht (HCM) in the summer of 2023 to complete a Long-Range Facility Master Plan. This master plan will provide D51 with a long-range road map for maintaining and developing the district’s facilities to meet future needs. To create this plan, facility condition assessments were completed for most of D51’s facilities. These facility assessments included both an evaluation of the educational adequacy and utilization of each school building.

The planning committee developed 10 priorities for the District 51 Facility Master Plan, however, the following five scopes of work are recommended for the first phase of capital improvements.

1. Safety and Security Improvements District Wide
2. Priority Deferred Maintenance and Life-Safety Improvements District Wide
3. Capital Improvements to Central High School
4. Capital Improvements to Fruita Monument High School
5. Educational Enhancements to support SPED at the Elementary Grade Level

D51 Master Plan

2022-2023 School Closure Timeline

During the 2022-23 school year, District 51 engaged in various planning and budgetary discussions regarding the declining enrollment in the district due in part to the COVID-19 Pandemic and other demographic factors affecting birth rates and school populations.

During a January 2023 Board meeting, Shannon Bingham, who serves as our contracted district demographer, presented an overview of our current student enrollment numbers and where those numbers are projected to head in the coming years. This topic has been front and center in the state and national media as of late, as the trend of declining student enrollment is a reality across the country. report released by CDE in January noted that the state of Colorado is down over 3,000 students this year compared to last year, and we are down over 1,300 students since the 2018/2019 school year. Following the research that has been presented by the district’s demographer, D51 is proactively considering various strategies to address our district’s enrollment numbers.

Our Path Forward

As we explore options for Creating a Sustainable D51, we encourage our community to actively engage and participate in conversations surrounding this issue. As our enrollment continues to decline, it leads to inefficient and unsustainable staffing, difficulties with providing adequate services for students, such as special education services and multiple course offerings, underutilization of facilities, and increased safety risks. This topic ties in with our Strategic Plan Focus Areas of having Prepared and Supported Students & Staff and our Strategic Plan Priority Area of modeling Transparent & Effective Resource Allocation.

Follow along for the latest news, updates, and information regarding the process and where we are at.

Changing Demographics Small School Size Building Condtions Fruita Grand Configuration Financial Implications Enrollment Survey

Key Issues Regarding Declining Enrollment

Click on the elements below to learn more about each topic and the impact in our school district.

Frequently Asked Questions

The potential for school consolidations/closures can be unsettling for communities, families, and students alike. However, understanding the reasons behind these decisions and their potential impacts can help alleviate some of those concerns. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you begin to navigate these potential changes. 

Learn More Here

Additional Resources

Contact Us

Email
Phone: 970-254-