Opportunity for public to provide feedback on options
to address declining enrollment
BOULDER - Starting TONIGHT Monday, April 13, the Boulder Valley School District will host six community engagement sessions. These events aim to give students, parents, staff and community members a chance to provide feedback on how the district can best create resilient schools during a time of declining enrollment.
Resilient Schools: Responding to declining enrollment
Community Engagement Sessions
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Monday, April 13, New Vista High School- 700 20th St., Boulder 6:30 - 9 p.m. p.m.
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Wednesday, April 15 - BVSD Education Center- 6500 Arapahoe Rd., Boulder 10:30 - 1 p.m.
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Thursday, April 16 - Boulder High School- 1604 Arapahoe Rd., Boulder 6:30 - 9 p.m.
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Saturday, April 18 - BVSD Education Center- 6500 Arapahoe Rd., Boulder 9:30 - Noon
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Monday, April 20 - Broomfield High School- 1 Eagle Way., Broomfield 6:30 - 9 p.m.
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Wednesday, April 22 - Monarch High School- 3296 Campus Dr., Louisville 6:30 - 9 p.m.
The community engagement sessions are open to all.
The media is also welcome, just let Randy Barber know if you are planning to attend at randy.barber@bvsd.org or 303-507-6694.
It is also important to note that these won't be typical community meetings. They are designed as interactive opportunities for participants to learn about the situation, the possible tradeoffs and to have a voice in the process. Participants will engage in small group activities during the events to learn about the impacts of declining enrollment and to consider the tradeoffs of the different options the district is considering.
About declining enrollment in BVSD
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BVSD schools are performing at the highest levels ever seen. This community conversations is happening because BVSD wants to make sure the district stays strong for every child in Boulder Valley School District.
Declining enrollment in BVSD is not due to failing schools or families choosing to leave the district. -
The quality of our schools is not changing. But BVSD does see that fewer students are enrolling because of long-term demographic shifts that are also happening across the state, the country, and world-wide.
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Fewer students means fewer resources. When schools are under-enrolled, schools can’t offer students as many opportunities, programs, or consistent access to supportive adults. Schools also don’t have as much ability to support teachers and staff.
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If BVSD doesn't act, those impacts grow. The student experience is beginning to look different than what our community expects and what our educators are working so hard to provide.
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The work to create resilient schools across Boulder Valley likely means that some school communities will experience change. Some elementary or K-8 schools may even close.
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BVSD leaders are committed to making sure that all students have access to the challenging, meaningful, and engaging learning opportunities that define the BVSD experience.
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BVSD is taking a thoughtful, proactive approach our district is taking in listening to the community.
The Options
The input gathered during these sessions will inform the decisions of BVSD’s Board of Education this fall, along with information shared by elementary-level principals and staff and the results of a district-wide survey that will be conducted in late April and early May.
BVSD has identified six options:
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Introduce or expand focus programs
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Grade reconfiguration, e.g. K-2 & 3-5 or convert K-8s to elementary and middle
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Relocate focus programs
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Consolidate two or more schools into one building (existing or new)
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Close one or more schools and distribute students to multiple schools
No decisions have been made at this time.
Our Timeline
In BVSD, we have chosen to Listen before Leading, which is a marked difference from the last time the district faced declining enrollment. 20 years ago decisions were made and then BVSD gathered feedback. This time, we intend to hear from our community and then the Board of Education will take action.
Here is the timeline:
- We are in the engagement phase
- We have already met with all of our elementary principals and teachers
- Over the next two weeks we will hold engagement sessions in the community
- In Late April, we will launch surveying/polling
- Updates regarding these efforts will be presented to the Board of Education on Tuesday and in June
- Over the summer, our team will develop an action proposal, which will be presenting to the Board in August
- This fall, the Board will deliberate and hear public comment
- The Board is expected to make its decision by October
Information, Resources & Updates
Additionally, we have pulled together some helpful slides that we've used while briefing the Board of Education and community:
2026-04-13 Declining Enrollment Slides for Media