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School Closure Process

Learn why our district is planning for school closures starting in the 2027-28 school year, what it could mean for our community, and how you can stay engaged in the conversations ahead.


 

Planning for the Future

Salem-Keizer is serving fewer students than it did a few years ago, and has more school buildings than current and projected enrollment needs. Declining birth rates and smaller incoming classes are the primary drivers, and enrollment is expected to keep declining over the next decade.

40,000+

Students enrolled several years ago

~35,000

Students enrolled today

64%

Projected district-wide elementary building use, 2027-28

The goal isn't primarily cost savings, it's aligning schools, staff, programs, and facilities with the students the district actually serves. This means resources and future investment go toward the schools that will serve students for the long term.

Latest News & Updates

Superintendent Andrea Castañeda discusses how upcoming recommendations for Salem-Keizer Public Schools involve two key components: recommended school closures and boundary area adjustments. Learn why boundary changes extend beyond closure sites to help maintain optimal learning conditions, fully staffed schools and essential student support services across the district. Apply to serve on the Boundary Review Task Force.

Recent News

Get Involved

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

Salem-Keizer School Board Meetings

Sign up for Public Comment

Listening and Learning Sessions

Our district will publicly share a list of up to eight elementary schools recommended for closure on the afternoon of Oct. 9, 2026. In the days following this announcement, we will hold five community listening and learning sessions across our district to share more information, hear your feedback, and discuss what comes next.

Register for a Listening and Learning Session

Boundary Review Task Force

Help shape recommendations for new school boundaries following elementary school closures beginning in fall 2027. Parents, students, and community members are invited to apply to serve on the Task Force from November 2026 through January 2027. Learn more about this opportunity.

Apply to Serve

Please submit your completed form to alexander_michelle@salkeiz.k12.or.us by October 21, 2026. Due to the limited number of Task Force positions, we may not be able to accept all applicants.

Boundary Review Task Force Application - English

Boundary Review Task Force Application - Spanish