In a recent move that stirs the pot for many families in Cave Creek, the Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD) has reversed course and will reconsider the closure of Lone Mountain Elementary School, mere days after the school appeared to be safe from the chopping block. After a unanimous decision to close Desert Sun Academy—citing declining enrollment and budget issues—the district is now signaling it might need to make further cuts. This latest development was detailed in an announcement sent out on February 14, as reported by ABC 15.
At an earlier board meeting, the fate of two elementary schools was weighed, with a 5-0 board vote sealing the deal for Desert Sun Academy to be closed and its students redistributed to Horseshoe Trails Elementary School, as per a report by 12 News. In a stark turn, Lone Mountain was spared during these discussions, but now its status is once again uncertain.
The reconsideration news has understandably ruffled feathers among the Lone Mountain community, with parents, students, and staff concerned about the implications of such a move. Children face the prospect of leaving behind their familiar school environment and the trusted bonds they've built. "It makes us really sad to think about being separated from our teachers, friends, and cousins. There has to be a better way to keep us together," a Lone Mountain student shared in the lead-up to the original vote, according to a statement obtained by ABC 15.
During these tribulations, CCUSD Superintendent Bill Dolezal had earlier emphasized the importance of community solidarity, saying to ABC 15, "I know it’s emotional—it should be," "But the strength of this community has always been the people in it. We’re going to need that strength now more than ever." This sentiment will once again be put to the test as the school board holds a special meeting tonight to discuss the possibility of closing Lone Mountain Elementary. The public has been invited to attend and give their input on this critical issue.
