‘Forced choices’: Iowa City group starts work on recommending school closures

The Iowa City school district has formed an ad hoc Attendance Boundary Committee of more than 50 members to study how to reconfigure its schools. The group held its first meeting Thursday as part of a plan to cut $32.5 million over four years. The school board asked it to look at savings at the elementary, middle and high school levels, including closures. The article says the shortfall stems from nearly three years of inaccurate tracking of monthly spending and revenue, along with declining enrollment and state aid that district leaders say has not kept pace with inflation.

A consultant, RSP & Associates, projects enrollment of about 14,800 will fall by more than 700 students over five years. Many schools are expected to run below 70% utilization, while the consultant says the goal should be 85% to 95%. Closing one elementary school is estimated to save between $895,985 and $1.8 million a year. When asked to estimate how many elementary schools could be retired, none of the groups would name a number and they asked for scenarios and more information. Some members say the timeline is too short and that the committee should consider the whole budget, not only buildings. One member noted the group is advisory.

The committee meets with the consultant again Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. Public input meetings are set for Jan. 19, 20 and 21, 2027, and the school board is scheduled to vote on a reconfiguration plan Feb. 23. Changes would take effect in fall 2027.