Families of students at Allendale Elementary recently received a letter from the school’s principal and several District officials, including Interim Superintendent, Kristopher Schuh, informing them that the school is at risk of closing due to low enrollment.

The letter began by stating “District leadership is beginning to have tough conversations regarding the future for Allendale.”

It goes on to explain that because of Allendale’s low enrollment, declining enrollment at nearby elementary schools, lack of school-aged children in the neighborhood or families choicing-in, there simply aren’t enough students to fill the seats in what is already a very small school.

Allendale has less than 150 students and is currently in its 57th year of operation. The letter acknowledges that the small size of the school can limit the educational experience that can be best for students.

“We know students benefit greatly from things like targeted support from multiple staff members in a school, learning in groups with other students, exposure to larger groups of peers for social interaction, access to before/after school programming, and teachers having grade-level colleagues with whom they plan lessons, field trips, and design creative educational opportunities. Being able to offer these positive elements for the students at Allendale is also guiding our decision to explore options for our school moving forward,” it explained.

Since 2011, Allendale has experienced a 45% decrease in enrollment with an annual enrollment drop of about 13%.

According to the letter, Rob Malling, Allendale’s Principal, recently announced plans to leave his position at the end of the school year, triggering the decision to revisit a conversation, in the works for the past five years, about Allendale’s future.

The letter stressed the District’s understanding that this news may be upsetting to the school’s families and asked for feedback and participation as the process moves forward.

Community Zoom meetings are being held Tuesday, April 6, at 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.; and Wednesday, April 7, at 8:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. Families who want to attend the virtual meetings can find the link on the school’s website, www.allendale.jeffcoschools.org.