Closure studies have been initiated for the following junior highs: Canyon View, Oak Canyon and Orem; and the following elementary schools: Aspen, Bonneville, Foothill, Lindon, Northridge, Orchard, Orem, Parkside, Rocky Mountain and Windsor.

The district said there is the possibility of closing three to five elementary schools and consolidating one of the junior highs. No decisions have been made on which schools to close.

“This is the first step in our process of formally notifying the public of our study and consideration of the steps we can take to ensure that every Timpanogos school meets our Robust School Criteria,” Board President Jen Lyman said at Wednesday’s meeting.

Beginning in 2027-28, the Timpanogos School District will serve students from the south end of the to-be-dissolved Alpine School District, in Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Orem and Vineyard.

The district said in a public letter last month that the elementary enrollment across the four cities is almost identical to what it was in 1980, and that projections indicate 15 of the district’s 20 elementary schools would be outside the size ranges identified in its “Robust School Criteria” by 2030.

“Doing nothing is also a decision, and it could mean increasingly small schools with fewer opportunities for students and increasing costs per pupil in those schools. And, to be clear, smaller schools do not mean smaller class size,” the letter said.

The process of voting on motions for each individual school appeared to be a difficult one for some of the board members who have deep ties to the various schools. David Smith said he taught at both Canyon View and Oak Canyon, while his children attend Orem Junior.

“I just want to make sure that we know this is an emotional decision,” Smith said. “We’ve heard from the community. We’ll hear more from community. But this is a very emotional decision for people who belong to (these) communities.”

Many spoke against closing the schools during a public comment period. A woman who said her children attend Orem Elementary asked that the district not close any schools — even if the cost is high.

“I know it’s not popular to raise taxes, but if that’s going to save our schools, I would encourage you to consider that as an option,” the woman said. “I don’t like to pay more taxes, but if it’s going to secure children’s futures, if it’s going to allow for more neighborhood schools, that is something we, as a public, need to consider because that is the benefit of the children.” 

Some individuals also spoke out in support of closing schools. Jacob Perazzo, who ran for school board, said he recognized the work that goes into making these types of decisions.

“What we need to do as a community is recognize that we are always going to have our personal preference, but as long as you guys are making decisions based upon good data that support student learning, I think we need to recognize the river of reality,” Perazzo said.