Elementary school in Southern California closes after 74 years
Key Highlights
- The district's enrollment has decreased by 40% to 50% since 2011, prompting campus consolidations.
- About 300 students will be transfered to other schools for 2026-27.
- Two additional elementary schools, Sunnyslope and Berry, are scheduled to close in the coming years
Central Elementary School in Imperial Beach, California, has closed its doors for the last time, ending 74 years of service to the community.
10News San Diego reports that the closure is part of the South Bay Unified School District's plan to consolidate campuses.
The district says its enrollment has declined from by 40% to 50% since 2011, nearly double the amount of neighboring school systems. Dropping enrollment and rising operational costs left the district no other choice.
Around 300 students will be transferring to other schools for 2026-27.
Two more elementary schools, Sunnyslope and Berry, are set to close in the next few years. According to the district's latest budget report, it is projected to have a deficit through the 2027-28 school year.