On Tuesday night district representatives and the Board of Education met with parents, staff, and community members to discuss the future of Landers Elementary School. The meeting provided an opportunity for open, respectful dialogue focused on what matters most: supporting students and strengthening the Landers school community.
During the meeting, district leaders heard community concerns, discussed ideas for moving forward, and recognized the deep commitment families, staff, and community members have demonstrated for Landers Elementary.
Following this process, the Board of Education has decided not to move forward with the consolidation of Landers Elementary School at this time.
The District will focus on strategies to strengthen enrollment, improve attendance, and stabilize its budget while continuing to support high-quality learning opportunities for students.
During the meeting, parents and community members expressed their willingness to help reach out to families—including families who are currently homeschooling—to share information about the programs, opportunities, and educational experiences available at Landers Elementary.
“We are grateful for the commitment and willingness of our community to be part of this effort,” said Superintendent Dr. Patricio Vargas. “The District will do its part, but we cannot do this work alone. Sustaining Landers will require continued partnership and engagement from everyone who cares about our students and our school.”
In the coming months, the District will continue working with the Landers community to identify opportunities to strengthen enrollment, improve attendance, support students, and promote the programs and resources available at the school and through the District's alternative education programs.
The District and Board of Education also recognize that enrollment will need to be closely monitored. If enrollment continues to decline to a level where Landers can no longer maintain classes with two grade levels and would need to combine three grade levels into a single classroom, the District and Board may need to revisit the question of consolidation at that time.
The District extends its appreciation to the parents, staff, and community members who participated in the discussion and shared their ideas, concerns, and support.
Together, through continued collaboration and community engagement, the District and the Landers community can work toward a strong and sustainable future for Landers Elementary School and the students it serves.