Parents in South Phoenix share their thoughts on a potential merger in the Roosevelt School District. Roosevelt Schools are confronting the potential for major adjustments in light of an almost $5 million shortfall.
During a packed meeting on Tuesday night, Superintendent Dr. Dani Portillo informed parents that the district is facing financial challenges and lacks sufficient funds to cover its annual expenses.
Portillo attributes the deficit to a drop in enrollment and the presence of over 30 charter and private schools in the district.
The superintendent has proposed the closure and merging of five schools:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School would close and merge with Percy L. Julian School.
- Maxine O. Bush Elementary School would close and move to Cloves C. Campbell Sr. Elementary School.
- V.H. Lassen Academy of Science and Nutrition would close and move to Ignacio Conchos Elementary School.
- C.J. Jorgensen Academy of Service Learning would close and move to Ed and Verma Pastor Elementary School
- John R. Davis Elementary School would close and move to Sunland STEAM Academy.
Lawrence Robinson, a board member, voiced his opposition to the proposal and recommended reducing expenses in different parts of the budget.
“If you just heard this presentation, then you know this is basically a foregone conclusion, right? But it doesn’t have to be because you’re here today,” Robinson said.
Parents’ Reaction
Several parents expressed their backing for a potential merger.
“If we are supposed to be one South Phoenix, what’s the problem with Julien and King becoming one,” one parent said.
“Stop being selfish. Buildings are not important. Names on buildings are not important. Kids are important,” a community member said.
Some parents are looking for greater understanding regarding the implications for their kids.
“The transportation of how we are going to get our kids to school if you do combine?” one parent asked.
Others took the opportunity during the meeting to highlight what they see as a more significant concern.
“We have to take this fight to the legislature. If we let it die here in this room tonight or in the other meetings that the board is going to have, then this will not be the only thing you see cut,” one parent said.
“Sometimes it’s not about money, it’s about people and these are our people, this is our neighborhood, and I ask that you look at it a little closer and come back and give us some more information about why our kids are leaving,” another community member said.
This marks the initial gathering of two scheduled public meetings to discuss the proposal. The upcoming gathering is scheduled for December 3. The board is set to cast their votes on December 5.