Navigating School Closures and Enrollment Decline – A CEPA Discussion on Policy Solutions in partnership with the Center for Education Policy Analysis
Friday, February 7th
8:30-10:00am
👉 RSVP https://cvent.me/arlaky
The School of Public Affairs invites you to join us for this month’s First Friday Breakfast Series as we explore the critical issue of school closures in Colorado and the challenges districts face amidst declining enrollment.
As Colorado’s K-12 student population continues to decline, many districts are facing tough decisions about whether to close schools to balance their budgets and sustain service delivery. Enrollment declines are forcing districts to make difficult choices, including cutting staff and programs, as well as closing under-enrolled schools. School closures present a significant policy and political challenge, as families tend to have strong emotional ties to their children’s schools and strongly resist efforts to shut them down. Schools are often community hubs, as well, and that makes school closures more difficult. The threat of job losses causes anxiety and creates division. In this panel discussion, we will explore the needs and challenges surrounding school closures and examine how several Colorado districts are responding. We will also discuss what the future holds, as enrollments are projected to continue declining across the state.
📍 In-Person Location: Terrace Room (2nd floor), Lawrence Street Center, 1380 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80204
💻 Virtual Option: Zoom link is provided upon registration
Schedule:
8:30 – 8:45 am: Check-in and light breakfast
8:45 – 10:00 am: Programming