While Utah anticipates population growth, Salt Lake City’s urban school district faces a significant decrease in school-aged children. Based on Davis Demographics’ 2018 report, elementary school enrollment in the Salt Lake City School District will decrease by more than 2,000 students in the next 10 years. Secondary schools face reductions over 20%.
This loss will necessitate multiple school closures, yet the district has not presented a public plan, opting instead to tinker with an existing boundary review policy. Without a comprehensive assessment of all school boundaries and transparent implementation of expedient closures, the district makes this process more painful for schools and families.