Throughout the last few months we have seen multiple reports about Jefferson County making the decision to close a number of schools. One of the schools on this list of possible closures is Zerger Elementary. I would like to bring this to your attention for a few different reasons, as well as ask for your support in an effort to keep this public school open and running smoothly. From an educational, real estate, and economic standpoint I would like to point out the following reasons why this school must stay open and continue to stabilize this neighborhood.
- First and foremost is the children; at this time there is no plan in place regarding where the current students of Zerger will be receiving their education next year. Stability in a child’s life is a core value and as of now these children would not have any structure in place for the upcoming school year.
- Closing Zerger will lead to transportation issues within the school district. Due to the location of Zerger there is no easy or direct route to any neighboring schools. Again, this has a chance to add additional burden to the daily life of a student in this area.
- It is projected that Zerger will increase in overall attendance by 100 students within the next few years. Closing the school at this time could lead to potential issues for the next generation of students in this area, which will only compound the issues currently being navigated.
- For the past two years Zerger has shown great improvement and growth in their academic achievement. This shows the teachers of Zerger have worked hard to put together a system where the students have an opportunity to grow and excel throughout their primary education.
- From a real estate perspective the obvious concern would be the value of homes in the community surrounding Zerger. What would be the short term and long term effects to this neighborhood if Zerger were to close? In a community already struggling with moderate consequences to home values, losing a core focal point within the community can only lead to further deterioration of home values. Speaking of long term effects; the neighborhood could have a hard time turning over and continuing to transition without the immediate incentive for families with young children to relocate within this area.
- Another aspect to this equation would be the options for converting this land/building into a different facility. As of now there have not been any plans released regarding the future function of the closed schools. The biggest concern here is possible crime or vandalism of an abandoned building, as well as the depreciation of the building throughout a transition period.
These are the main concerns and difficulties with making the decision to close down a public school. Understandably, the school district is in a tough spot with the current economic conditions forcing them to make difficult decisions such as this. However, as a resident of Westminster I ask you to voice your concern over the closing of Zerger Elementary so the community, neighborhood, and most importantly the children are not placed in a truly difficult situation.
If you would like your voice to be heard regarding this matter, please use the following methods at your discretion. It is important this be done before January 14th so please be proactive with your support for this community! Take a couple minutes and put together a few words in support of Zerger Elementary; you would be surprised how positive support within the community can greatly impact these tough decisions.
Send an E-mail
Helen Neal; Manager, Board of Education
hneal@jeffco.k12.co.us
Make a Phone Call / Send a Fax
303-982-6800 Phone
303-982-6806 Fax
Write a Letter:
Board of Education
1829 Denver West Drive, Bldg. 27
Golden, CO 80408
Thanks for bringing this information to the public’s attention. I, as a teacher at Zerger, appreciate your efforts to SAVE our school.
PLEASE consider contacting the District regarding your thoughts, opinions and information regarding keeping Zerger open.
Thank you for this well-informed piece. As a staff member at Zerger, a parent at Zerger, and a home owner in the neighborhood, closing Zerger would be detrimental to my family. I have watched my kids and my students grow up at Zerger and splitting us all up would be very sad. Please help us by voicing your concern to the Board as soon as possible. Any new comments or suggestions would help as well! Thank you.
Michael, you have brought up such well thought out points concerning the possible closing of Zerger Elementary. I have taught at this school for 18 years and watched it grow into a strong learning community. My biggest concern for the students is displacing their comfort zone where they are learning to become confident and positive learners. If these children are forced to go to a new school next year, many of them will be unsure of themselves and have to start building their self esteem all over again. For our community, school is a safe place. I hope we can keep it that way for years to come!