Salem-Keizer Public Schools is proposing to close six elementary schools beginning in fall 2027, citing declining enrollment across the district. The recommended closures are Brush College, Candalaria, Cummings, Englewood, Liberty and Richmond elementary schools. The district currently operates 42 elementary schools, and enrollment has fallen from about 42,000 students to approximately 36,000, officials said Friday, Oct. 9. Under the proposal, students from Brush College would move to Kalapuya; Candalaria students to Salem Heights; Cummings students to Keizer or Kennedy, depending on where they live; Englewood students to Hoover; and Liberty students to Sumpter, Schirle or Wright. Richmond students would be reassigned to Four Corners or Bush based on their neighborhood. The plan also includes boundary changes affecting some students who would remain in the district’s schools. Proposed middle- and high-school shifts include moving about 50 students from Parrish Middle School to Waldo Middle School and about 60 students from North Salem High School to McKay High School in the Hoover-to-Swegle area. In the Liberty-to-Wright area, about 50 students would shift from Crossler Middle School to Judson Middle School. District officials said roughly 95% of students would not be affected by the proposed reassignments. Superintendent Andrea Castañeda said the district is trying to preserve long-term learning conditions, while acknowledging the closures would be difficult for school communities. “We are taking thoughtful, measured action to protect our schools, students, and future, but it is so difficult because protecting our conditions for the future means making incredibly hard choices now,” Castañeda said. “We can’t change the fundamental facts that require this action, but we can build the best possible path toward solutions and sustainability.” The recommendations are not final. The school board is expected to consider them at a Dec. 8 meeting, with any approved changes taking effect the following fall. The district scheduled a public meeting for Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. to present details and hear public comments. For families, the proposal could mean new school communities and travel routes, as well as changes to middle- and high-school assignments. The district’s next steps will determine whether the recommended closures and boundary changes move forward.