San Jose school district to close three campuses

(BCN) -- Another San Jose school district is making the difficult decision to close and consolidate campuses due to declining enrollment.

The Berryessa Union School District board of trustees on Wednesday voted 4-1 to close three elementary schools for the 2025-26 academic year: Cherrywood, Toyon and Laneview. The decision aligned with the consolidation committee's ranked recommendations. Trustee Jaria Jaug was the only no vote.

In the past 10 years, the district has experienced a decrease of more than 2,000 students, which means less funding for district operations including staff salaries and instructional supplies. By reducing the number of schools, district officials hope to save about $2.5 million each year and keep the district fiscally solvent.

The closure was needed to address a $6 million operating budget deficit, said Kevin Franklin, assistant superintendent of business services. As district enrollment decreased, revenue decreased but fixed operational costs remained the same, he said, adding revenue decreased from more than $103 million in 2022-23 to more than $88 million in 2024-25. The school district serves about 6,000 students across 10 elementary schools and three middle schools.

"We understand how difficult and challenging this process is for our entire community. School closures are an action of last resort, that we take very seriously," Franklin told San Jose Spotlight. "The district remains committed to supporting our Berryessa community throughout this transition."

Trustee Hugo Jimenez said the board focused on preserving the district's three middle schools.

"Selecting what schools to consolidate or close is the most difficult decision I have had to make as a trustee," Jimenez told San Jose Spotlight. "I understand schools are the heart of neighborhoods and that's why we're making this decision carefully. Each school's staff is a family that cares deeply about their students."

Jimenez said he hopes the board's decision causes the least disruption possible to staff, students and families and will improve educational opportunities for Berryessa's students by maximizing resources.

About 45% of Berryessa Union School District's students are low socio-economic English learners or foster youth and 12% are students with disabilities. District enrollment decreased from 7,980 students in 2012-13 to 5,940 in 2022-23 and is expected to decline to 5,254 students by 2028, per a November report.

The report, compiled by a consolidation committee assembled in April, ranked five elementary and three middle schools for closure or consolidation. Criteria included school demographics and capacity, educational support services, finances, the condition of facilities and transportation concerns.

Berryessa Union School District isn't alone in having to close or consolidate schools due to a loss of funding and declining enrollment. Public schools in Silicon Valley and across the state have experienced dropping enrollment due to low birth rates, higher cost of living and families moving out of the area or state.

Alum Rock Union School District in East San Jose recently decided to close six schools for the 2025-26 school year and will close two more in 2026-27. Franklin-McKinley School District officials are in the process of choosing which schools to close.

"The process has been a journey spanning more than two years with a range of emotions, as we have collectively explored every possible option to create a sustainable model to best serve current and future families," Perla Rodriguez, spokesperson for Berryessa Union School District, told San Jose Spotlight.

Rodriguez said the district recognizes the challenges and uncertainties that come with change and is committed to supporting impacted families and staff throughout this transition.

"What remains certain is the strength and resilience of the Berryessa community," she said.

"Together, we are made up of remarkable students, parents, teachers, staff and leaders. We take immense pride in the many outstanding initiatives that define our district. Moving forward, we are dedicated to preserving and building upon these strengths to create even greater opportunities for our students."

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