South Phoenix Parents Assess Impact of Proposed Roosevelt School District Merger

Roosevelt School District is considering the closure of five schools as it grapples with a nearly $5 million deficit. A gathering of concerned parents heard from Superintendent Dr. Dani Portillo, who stated that the district’s financial issues stem from declining student enrollment and an increase in charter and private schools operating in the area.

The superintendent proposed closing and merging the following schools:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary with Percy L. Julian School
• Maxine O. Bush Elementary with Cloves C. Campbell Sr. Elementary
• V.H. Lassen Academy of Science and Nutrition with Ignacio Conchos Elementary
• C.J. Jorgensen Academy of Service Learning with Ed and Verma Pastor Elementary
• John R. Davis Elementary with Sunland STEAM Academy

Board Member Lawrence Robinson voiced his opposition to the proposal, advocating for budget cuts in other areas instead. “If you just heard this presentation, then you know this is basically a foregone conclusion,” he said, urging parents to remain engaged in the decision-making process.

Despite the concerns, some parents expressed support for the mergers, citing unity in the South Phoenix community. “Buildings are not important. Names on buildings are not important. Kids are important,” one community member emphasized during the meeting.

Others raised practical questions about how such changes would affect their children’s transportation. “How are we going to get our kids to school if you do combine?” one parent inquired.

Additionally, several attendees highlighted the need for broader action. “We have to take this fight to the legislature. If we let it die here in this room tonight, then this will not be the only thing you see cut,” cautioned a parent advocating for systemic change.

This meeting marks the first of two public discussions on the proposed school mergers, with the next scheduled for December 3. The board is expected to vote on the proposals on December 5.