Parent of Nisley Elementary students responds to recommended closure

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - Nisley Elementary School is the first confirmed school for the recommended closures from District 51.

In a letter sent out to Nisley Elementary Staff, it is said that "Nisley has been on the Accountability Clock with the Colorado Department of Education and has now entered Year 5 of the clock."

Ruthana, a parent of two at Nisley Elementary responds.

"I wasn't expecting that news this evening," she said. "We've been here for three years and just from what I've seen, and the attributes that the teachers and all the faculty that work here, they really have a deep heart and love for children and they really want to do what's best for them."

The letter, written by Nisley Elementary principal, Dorothy Wolf, said closures will have an impact on all.

"This decision does not reflect the dedication of our staff or the potential of our students. In the coming weeks, our top priority will be supporting you () through this transition."

Ruthana and her family are considering other options for her children.

"If this school does close down, I really want to look into private schooling, potential homeschooling," she said.

Wolf also addresses the next steps in her letter.

"We are committed to ensuring that there will be information and resources available to our families and staff as we work together to find new schools and job opportunities within the district."

Ruthana has hope that the culture of Nisley Elementary, for families, staff, and students, will remain strong.

"I think there's a special culture here that needs to be kept," she said. "It's just not a decision that I think anybody wants, so just finding peace and whatever the resulting outcome is, but really just cheering the school on and being the best advocates and cheerleaders we can, because there's really something very special here.

More schools are reported to be notified of other closures by the end of the week.

Superintendent for D51, Dr. Brian Hill will present the recommendations to The Board of Education on November 19.

If the Board moves forward with the closure, Nisley Elementary is "dedicated to making this transition as smooth as possible," wrote Wolf. "Boundaries won't be finalized until December, students currently residing in the Nisley attendance area will be rezoned to attend either Orchard Avenue Elementary or Fruitvale Elementary."