Final bell rings for 5 San Jose elementary schools permanently closing

Teachers and students entered classrooms for the last time at multiple San Jose Unified School District campuses before permanent closures ahead of the next school year. The final day affected 16,000 students. Lowell Elementary held fifth-grade graduation with families gathering and pop-up vendors selling celebratory items. The day carried emotional weight for students, families, and staff because Lowell was among the campuses scheduled to shut down. Parents described sadness about losing friendships and attending different schools. The closures followed a March board decision to shutter several elementary schools after public opposition. District leaders cited declining enrollment, while some parents questioned whether funding depends on enrollment and challenged the need for closures. The schools set to close included Lowell, Canoas, Terrell, Empire Gardens, and Gardner.

"It was the end of an era on Friday for several schools in the San Jose Unified School District, as teachers and students entered classrooms for the final time before multiple campuses permanently close. The last day marked more than the end of the school year for thousands of families. District leaders announced that several campuses will shut down ahead of the next school year, impacting 16,000 students."

"At Lowell Elementary School, fifth graders celebrated their graduation, with families gathering to mark the milestone. Parents and students browsed pop-up vendors selling celebratory gifts and apparel. "I'm humbled by it, to see my son graduate, I'm proud of him, it's a good day," said parent Benito Nieto. But the celebration also carried a deeper meaning. The entire Lowell campus is among several schools set to close, making the final day especially emotional for students, families and staff."

"One parent, Maria Ardun, said the closures are especially difficult for her children. In Spanish, she told ABC7 Eyewitness News that her children are sad because they will attend different schools from the friends they made at Lowell. The closures follow a decision by the San Jose Unified School District board in March to approve a plan to shutter several elementary schools. At the time, parents packed a school board meeting, many voicing strong opposition."

"District leaders said declining enrollment in recent years prompted the move. Some parents argued funding is tied to local property taxes, not directly to enrollment, and questioned the need for closures. The schools set to close include Lowell, Canoas, Terrell, Empire Gardens and Gardner el"

Read at ABC7 San Francisco