News Summary
Parents in Pleasant View, UT, are protesting the Weber School District’s discussions about closing Lomond View Elementary due to declining enrollment. A rally was held outside the school, highlighting community support for its staff and educational standards. The district is considering the closure and potential redirection of students to other schools, amid concerns over resource allocation and necessary building upgrades. Public meetings will allow community input before a final decision is anticipated later this year.
Pleasant View, UT – Parents of students at Lomond View Elementary School are rallying against discussions by the Weber School District regarding the potential closure of their school amid declining enrollment in the region. Approximately 20 parents participated in a protest outside the school, signaling their strong opposition to the proposed closure while highlighting their commitment to the school and appreciation for its staff.
The Weber School District Board has authorized a study examining the closure of Lomond View, which has been in operation since 1959, making it one of the oldest institutions in the district. Discussions also include a boundary study for Orchard Springs and North Ogden elementary schools, both of which have the capacity to accommodate students if Lomond View closes.
The proposed closure stems from stagnant enrollment growth in Pleasant View and North Ogden, contrasting with growth seen in western Weber County. This has led school officials to evaluate options for better resource allocation. Should the closure be finalized, students from Lomond View would be redirected to either Orchard Springs, which was built in 2019 and is currently operating at only 53% capacity, or North Ogden Elementary.
In addition to capacity issues, Lomond View requires considerable upgrades, estimated to cost around $3 million. The district projects that closing the school could save approximately $1.3 million annually. However, the performance record of Lomond View in state testing significantly exceeds both district and state averages; for instance, its English language arts score stands at 59%, compared to 39% district-wide and 46% statewide.
Many parents expressed that they moved to the Pleasant View area specifically for Lomond View’s reputation for high educational standards. The closure discussions have deeply affected students, with numerous children expressing sadness over the possibility of losing their school and the community they have cultivated there.
As part of the decision-making process, the Weber School District will hold five public meetings from October 1 through December 3, allowing community members to voice their opinions and provide input on the matter before a final decision is reached. This timeline puts the deadline for the board’s decision on the potential closure of Lomond View Elementary at December 3, 2023, with possible boundary changes to the local schools to be considered if the closure is approved.
Chad Hill, a parent involved in the protest, has suggested revising school boundaries to balance enrollment more effectively and maintain Lomond View’s operation. This alternative proposal could allow the school to continue serving its community without adversely affecting the overall district organization.
The discussions surrounding the Lomond View Elementary situation highlight overarching trends in school enrollment within the Weber School District and prompt considerations regarding the best use of resources while balancing the needs and preferences of the community. As consultations continue and the community remains engaged, the outcome of these deliberations will be closely watched by parents, educators, and local residents alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Weber School District Considers Closing Lomond View Elementary
Additional Resources
- KSL: Parents Demonstrate Against Lomond View Closure
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- KSL: Weber School District Considers School Closure
- Google Search: Weber School District
- KSLTV: North Ogden Fire Incident
- Google Scholar: School Closures Impact
- Lindquist Mortuary: Obituary for Michael Thinnes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure
- Tukios: Obituaries Resource
- Google News: Community Engagement in Education
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