An Arizona school district has decided to close two elementary schools as it grapples with declining enrollment and financial pressures. The decision, which will take effect in the 2026-27 school year, was unanimously approved by the governing board of the Peoria Unified School District. The move comes with a leadership transition, with the district’s superintendent also resigning later this year.Two primary schools will close from 2026-27.The Peoria Unified School District governing board voted Thursday to close Kachina Elementary School and Pioneer Elementary School, according to a report by AZFamily. These closures are scheduled to take effect in the 2026-27 school year.District officials said students currently enrolled at Kachina Elementary School will be transferred to Canyon Elementary School after the closing. Similarly, students from Pioneer Elementary School will be reassigned to Foothills Elementary School after the attendance boundaries are adjusted.The governing board held public hearings to solicit input from parents, staff and community members before making a final decision.Declining enrollment is behind the moveThe closures are part of a broader effort by the district to address continued declines in student enrollment. AZFamily reports that several Arizona school districts are experiencing similar trends.Officials have attributed the decline in enrollment in part to demographic changes such as aging neighborhoods and declining birth rates. With fewer students entering the school system, districts are increasingly facing financial pressures and underutilized facilities.Peoria Unified officials described the closings as the first phase of a larger project aimed at consolidating operations and managing budget challenges.Dr. Superintendent KC Somers resigned.In a separate development, the Governing Board also voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr KC Somers during the same meeting. The decision was unanimously approved by all five members of the board.Somers tendered his resignation and said he was leaving to take a new position elsewhere, according to board documents cited by AZFamily. His resignation will be effective from June 12.Further restructuring proposals are under consideration.The school closings are just one part of a broader set of proposals currently being considered by the district.Actions discussed include converting Cactus High School to a campus that serves seventh- through twelfth-grade students, converting the Peoria e-campus to a ninth- through twelfth-grade model, and relocating Peoria Flex Academy.The district is also exploring expansion of the MET Professional Academy as part of its strategy to meet changing enrollment patterns and educational needs.District leaders say the goal of these potential changes is to ensure long-term sustainability while continuing to serve students throughout the community.
