AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 19, 2026
Poudre School District Announces Major School Closures
On Friday evening, the Poudre School District (PSD) held a press conference to reveal a significant recommendation: nine schools could close and two more may consolidate by the 2027-2028 school year. The proposal, brought forward by the district’s Comprehensive Planning Committee (CPC), responds primarily to declining enrollment throughout the region.
List of Schools Affected by Proposed Closures and Consolidations
The following schools are included in the closure and consolidation recommendation:
- Beattie Elementary School: Students will be reassigned to Lopez Elementary School and Bennett Elementary School.
- Irish Elementary School: Reassignment to Cache la Poudre Elementary School and Bauder Elementary School. English language learners from Irish will move to Harris Elementary School.
- Johnson Elementary School: Students to be reassigned to Olander Elementary School and McGraw Elementary School.
- Putnam Elementary School: Students will move to Dunn Elementary School and Tavelli Elementary School.
- Stove Prairie, Red Feather, and Livermore Elementary Schools: (The Mountain Schools) All students will be reassigned to Cache la Poudre Elementary School.
- Timnath Elementary School: Students to move to Linton Elementary School and Bamford Elementary School, with a new boundary adjustment for Bacon Elementary School.
- Blevins Middle School: Reassigned to Webber Middle School and Lincoln Middle School.
- Centennial High School and Poudre Community Academy: These two will consolidate into a new school.
Process and Timeline for the Decision
The CPC, consisting of 25 members including parents, faculty, and staff, will deliver their recommendations to the Board of Education on October 13. A final vote by the board is scheduled for October 27. Prior to the decision, the Board of Education will conduct listening sessions for the community:
- Monday, Oct. 12: Timnath Middle-High School auditorium, 4700 E. Prospect Road, Fort Collins
- Wednesday, Oct. 14: Rocky Mountain High School media center, 1300 W. Swallow Road, Fort Collins
- Thursday, Oct. 15: Poudre High School event center, 201 S. Impala Drive, Fort Collins
- Monday, Oct. 19: Fort Collins High School theater, 3400 Lambkin Way, Fort Collins
Reasons for School Closures and Consolidations
Superintendent Brian Kingsley cited multiple factors behind the recommendation, including fewer children being born in the area, high living costs, and fewer families residing in the community. Kingsley explained, “We believe that we can be even better, we can do more, and do it better in fewer schools, because we can concentrate our resources and make sure every student has access to everything that they deserve.” He added that while student assignments might change, the district will strive to maintain a sense of belonging for all students.
Kingsley noted that the criteria for identifying school closures include enrollment trends, building utilization, and facility condition.
Community Reactions and Concerns
Reactions from families and staff reflect both understanding and concern. Parent Lauren Chiarelli stated, “I can see why some schools might need to consolidate... but to put [kids] in a whole new school, that would be a big impact.” She also questioned how the changes would affect staff who are already working under resource constraints.
The topic of staff layoffs was also addressed. Kingsley acknowledged, “We know with fewer students, there will be fewer staff members, but we believe that having fewer schools with more vibrant resources, the positions moving forward will be more stable.”
Opportunities for Community Feedback
The upcoming listening sessions provide community members with the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback on the proposed school closures and consolidations. More details about the recommendation and the planning process can be found at the Poudre School District’s website.
Source: denver7.com.
