Northshore School Board Weighs Closing Up to Three Elementary Schools

Northshore School District staff presented the board with plans to close up to three elementary schools as early as fall 2028.

District leaders outlined three scenarios on Monday, all of which include redrawing boundaries in the north and east and closing Moorlands Elementary in Kenmore. The other options involve closing Sunrise Elementary in Redmond, Cottage Lake Elementary in Woodinville, or Hollywood Hill Elementary in Woodinville. Dri Ralph, the executive director of support services and capital projects, stated that these proposals come from the district's Enrollment Demographics Advisory Committee, a group of students, parents, and community members serving three-year terms.

Enrollment in the district has fallen sharply since the pandemic, particularly among younger students. K-5 enrollment stood at roughly 10,800 in 2019 but has dropped to about 9,200 this year. Ralph attributed the decline primarily to lower birth rates, noting that state health data shows a 22% drop in birth rates in Snohomish and King counties over the last decade. She also pointed to a shift from single-family to multifamily housing development and longer home residency times as contributing factors.

The district targets between 400 and 700 students per elementary school to manage costs and staffing effectively. Currently, elementary enrollment ranges from 197 to 695 students. Ralph explained that schools below the 400-student threshold face higher per-student costs, more split-grade classes, and staffing difficulties, such as needing 685 students to fund one full-time nurse.

If the board approves the closures, students from Moorlands would move to Arrowhead and Woodmoor elementaries in the southern district. Arrowhead currently serves 263 students, while Moorlands has 440 and Woodmoor has 516. Staff noted that Arrowhead has more site space for a future rebuild, and Moorlands would be available for other uses. Ralph added that the district likely would not need to cut many staff positions due to current attrition levels, with many employees expected to follow students to their new schools.

Board President Sandy Hayes acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, saying, "I know how harmful it is to our communities and what it means to families and staff and students. I need to know these recommendations are the last resort." Community reactions were mixed during the meeting. Nicole, a Moorlands alum and future parent, said she felt blindsided because the committee only presented options that included closing the school. Michael Loughry, a parent and advisory committee member, said the community is feeling hurt and angry but understands the underlying data.

Parents at Sunrise also voiced concerns, urging the district to consider other options. Brita Norvold, a Sunrise parent, recalled that her family chose the school for its quality, stating, "They knew that the public education at Sunrise easily rivaled top-tier private institutions. It was a common trend then, and it remains true now." The proposed boundary adjustments would also affect middle and high schools, moving some North Creek high school students to Woodinville and Bothell, and some Canyon Park middle school students to Kenmore.

The board plans to hold another meeting in January to discuss potential changes. A final decision is scheduled for May, giving families a year to prepare for any transitions.