Closing one school affects all schools.
We are a community of parents, educators & neighbors united against DJUSD's proposal to close Patwin and Birch Lane Elementary. Discover the facts, address misconceptions, and join the mission to save our neighborhood schools.
The Heart of Our Community is at Stake
The potential closure of Patwin and Birch Lane Elementary schools threatens more than just buildings; it disrupts the educational foundation of our town. These schools are vital hubs where our children grow, learn, and build lasting friendships. These anchor institutions provide infrastructure where families and neighbors can connect, access services, attend events, and build community. Closing these schools targets specific neighborhoods and risks overcrowding across the district. We are committed to sharing the facts and engaging every citizen to protect our schools from permanent closure.
What DJUSD Proposes
Why DJUSD says closure is being considered:
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District‑wide enrollment has been declining for years.
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State funding is tied to student attendance, while many school costs are fixed.
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DJUSD is planning for a possible future loss of up to 1,000 students if new housing is not approved.
SCHOOL CLOSURE-RELATED OPTIONS
Concept A:** Close Patwin Elementary (as early as 2028–29). Students would be redistributed to nearby elementary schools.
Concept B:** Close Patwin and Birch Lane Elementary, shift 6th grade to junior highs, redraw boundaries district‑wide.
Eliminating two neighborhood schools to save just 1.4% of DJUSD’s budget is a disproportionate response to a financial problem. Our students and communities deserve better solutions.
School closures affect everyone...
For Patwin & Birch Families
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Loss of a walkable neighborhood school.
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Longer commutes, more traffic, and less independence for children.
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Disruption to a close‑knit school community that supports students and families.
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Higher absenteeism and chronic absenteeism
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Attendance declines are strongest for elementary students, low-income students, and students with disabilities
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Effects often last multiple years, not just during the transition.
For Other Schools
Patwin & Birch Lane students would overflow into nearby schools, leading to:
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Larger class sizes
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Increased strain on teachers and campus resources
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Reliance on portable classrooms
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Increased traffic during drop-off and pick-up.
For home owners without Children in Patwin/Birch Lane Neighborhoods
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Neighborhood schools are a key driver of home values.
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Families often choose where to locate based on access to a local school.
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Closing Patwin & Birch Lane could make the neighborhoods less attractive to young families.
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Fewer families means less support for local businesses and long‑term neighborhood vitality.
What's Happening Now
In response to declining enrollment, Davis Joint Unified School District staff initially presented the Board of Trustees with only two proposals: closing Patwin Elementary,
or closing both Patwin and Birch Lane Elementary as early as 2028. These proposals were based on six assumptions developed by a Board subcommittee without community input . The district has suggested that one of these “worst-case scenario” options may be necessary if new housing is not approved and enrollment continues to decline.
While families recognize that declining enrollment affects district budgets, school closures are not inevitable—or necessarily logical. Closing schools would have significant impacts on students, families, and neighborhoods that rely on these schools as community anchors. Declining enrollment is a districtwide issue and should not disproportionately affect a few neighborhoods that the district unilaterally deprioritizes.
Neighborhood schools strengthen communities by bringing families, neighbors, and educators together. They make it easier—especially for working families—to volunteer and participate in school life, and they support stronger student outcomes.
Thanks to sustained community pressure, the Board is now revisiting the assumptions behind the original closure proposals and has committed to developing two additional options. We are urging the Board to ensure that any proposal truly protects “students furthest from opportunity” and realistically considers whether students can be absorbed by neighboring schools.
After receiving our petition—now with more than 1,040 signatures—the Board will also consider forming a community advisory committee.
Why It Matters to All
Closing even a single school sends shockwaves through the entire community. If Patwin and Birch Lane close, students would be pushed into neighboring schools, resulting in larger class sizes, added pressure on teachers and staff, crowded campuses, the need for portable classrooms, and increased traffic during drop-off and pick-up times. Longer commutes and disrupted routines caused by school closures are also linked to increased absenteeism, as students face greater transportation challenges and disengagement. Neighborhood schools are also a major factor in home values—many families choose where to live based on access to a nearby school. Losing Patwin and Birch Lane would make these neighborhoods less appealing to young families, reducing support for local businesses and weakening long-term neighborhood vitality.
From overcrowded classrooms and higher absenteeism to declining property values and the loss of cherished community hubs, the consequences of this decision reach far beyond the families currently enrolled.
Addressing Misconceptions
There is significant misinformation regarding the financial and demographic necessity of these closures. Our group is dedicated to providing the community with vetted facts, budgetary analysis, and clear answers to the most frequently asked questions about the district's stated goals.. We also invite collaboration and creative thinking with DJUSD and the community to develop other options to address the current fiscal pressures. Check out our detailed research !!!
Opportunities for Involvement
Whether it's signing our petition, attending and speaking at upcoming board meetings, or tabling at the Farmers Market, there are numerous ways to join the cause and protect our students' future. Get involved now !
Save our Neighborhood
Schools
Patwin and Birch Lane are more than just buildings—they are the heart of our community. Get involved today: learn about the issues, spread the word, display a yard sign, sign our petition, and help ensure the future of our children’s education, our schools, and our neighborhoods.