By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice
A special board meeting for Mesa County Valley School District 51 on Friday evening led to a 5-0 vote to close Clifton and Scenic Elementary Schools.
The vote came after a presentation by demographer Shannon Bingham, and a discussion on the declining enrollment, demographic shifts and the district’s finances.
Shannon Bingham, the district’s demographer, presented data detailing a decline in birth rates and a shift in housing. Both factors are causing reduced enrollment.
“We are not getting student growth from the neighborhood. The numbers say that [enrollment] is going to continue to go down into the upper 20s,” Bingham explained. He pointed to projections of a 15-20% drop in kindergarten enrollment over the next five years.
Bingham noted that Redlands 360 offers some hope. But he noted the slow construction and new housing won’t reverse current demographic trends.
“Without any growth in the community, we are going to flatline straight across the board in all three schools. We just don’t have enough children to support three schools in the neighborhood,” he said.
The issue is not limited to Clifton and Scenic. “The birth rate thing is not just hurting us. It’s hurting every district in the state of Colorado right now,” Bingham added. “We are going to be looking at fewer children in the state of Colorado and on the Western Slope during the next 10 years.”
Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill echoed Bingham. He noted that enrollment is down across the entire district, adding that he’d analyzed numbers going back as far as 2002.
“The same trend is showing across the entire district community. It’s impacting the enrollment at every school,” Hill said.
Hill noted that this decision supports the district’s efforts to address declining enrollment. And he referenced previous closures. The board voted to close Nisley Elementary earlier in the week. East Middle School closed in May 2023.
“This decision is about ensuring we are fiscally responsible while providing quality education for all students in the district,” he added.
“We know that schools are more than just buildings; they are the heart of neighborhoods where generations have learned and grown,” Board President Andrea Haitz said. “This decision impacts students, staff, families, alumni and the broader community.”
Despite the tough choice, Haitz assured those affected. “The superintendent and his team are committed to working closely with each school community to ensure a smooth transition, ensuring that no one feels left behind,” she stated.
Haitz said the decision was vital for the district’s long-term health.
“Together we will honor the past and build a stronger future for District 51. This decision was made with the best interests of all 19,000 students in mind,” Haitz concluded. “This is not a goodbye to your spirit, traditions or contributions. It’s an opportunity to carry the best parts of these schools into new chapters and new communities.”
The district will hold more meetings with affected families and staff. They aim to address concerns and provide support.
“This is not the end of the journey for the students, staff and families impacted,” Haitz emphasized. “It is an opportunity to carry the best parts of these schools into new chapters and new communities.”
On the Front Range, school board members for Denver Public Schools voted on the same dilemma this week. They voted unanimously to close seven schools in May 2025.